Helicobacter pylori Culture

Test Code

16597

CPT Codes
87081, 87205

Preferred Specimen

3 mm Gastric/Antral or Duodenal biopsy collected in Brucella broth or Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) with 10-20% glycerol

Minimum Volume

Any amount

Other Acceptable Specimens

Gastric/Antral or Duodenal brushings collected in Brucella broth or Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) with 10-20% glycerol • Gastric/Antral or Duodenal biopsy or brushings collected in Brucella or Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) without glycerol, or non-bacteriostatic saline

Transport Temperature

Brucella broth or equivalent with glycerol:
Frozen -70° C

Broth with or without glycerol, or sterile non-bacteriostatic saline:
Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Specimens with glycerol
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen -20° C: Unacceptable
Frozen -70° C: 5 days

All other specimens
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Transport swab with or without gel • Stool

Methodology
Culture

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 8-10 days

Reference Range

Gram Stain: No curved Gram-negative bacilli seen
Culture: No Helicobacter pylori isolated

Clinical Significance

Helicobacter pylori has been associated with peptic ulcer disease and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

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.