Culture, Sputum

Test Code
SPUTC


Includes
Aerobic culture and gram stain


Preferred Specimen
2-5 mL sputum


Instructions
Early morning expectorated sputum from deep cough


Transport Container
Sterile leak proof container.


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cool packs)


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Any specimen >48 hours old, Sputum specimens with >25 epithelial cells per low power field , 24-hour pooled sputum , Received frozen, Room temperature specimens 2 hours or older, Sputum received  for anaerobic culture, Specimens which have leaked and contaminated the outside of the collection container


Setup Schedule
24/7


Report Available
3 days




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.