Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Culture and Gram Stain [388X]

Test Code

5823

CPT Codes
87070, 87205

Includes

Aerobic culture and Gram Stain. If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).

Preferred Specimen

2 mL CSF submitted in a sterile, plastic leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Instructions

Submit CSF specimen immediately at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology
Bacterial culture, aerobic, anaerobic, microscopy, routine isolation and identification procedures antibiotic susceptibility testing when appropriate

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 4 days

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

Cerebrospinal fluid cultures are of importance in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges. The most common causes of this life threatening condition are E. coli and Group B streptococci in neonates, H. influenzae (2 months-5 years), N. meningitidis (all ages, most common in older children and young adults) and S. pneumoniae (all ages).

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.