A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Culture, Nasal

Test Code
NOSEC


Preferred Specimen
Nasal swab


Instructions
Insert swab into nares and keep swab in place for a few seconds.


Transport Container
Culturette


Transport Temperature
Ambient


Specimen Stability
Ambient: 72 hours


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Requests for anaerobic culture, Expired transport device, Frozen specimens


Setup Schedule
24/7


Report Available
3 days


Clinical Significance
Culture of the nose is primarily for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus. The significance of other organisms is difficult to assess since this site and its discharges can easily be colonized by a variety of organisms




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.