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Sputum Culture with Gram Stain
Test Code1236201151
Alias/See Also
C SPUT/GS
SPT
SPUT
Sputum CX
SPT
SPUT
Sputum CX
CPT Codes
8707087205
Preferred Specimen
Sputum collected in a sterile container
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
SPUTUM (expectorated) - BACTERIAL AEROBIC CULTURE and/or FUNGAL CULTURE
1. Collect early morning sample obtained after a deep cough. Do not pool samples.
2. Patient must rinse mouth with water before sputum is collected. Instruct patient to avoid adding saliva or nasopharyngeal discharges to the sample.
3. Collect the expectorated sputum in a sterile container.
4. Label sample noting the specimen source.
TRACHEAL ASPIRATE - BACTERIAL AEROBIC CULTURE and/or FUNGAL CULTURE
1. Collect specimen avoiding contamination by orapharyngeal flora.
2. Place aspirate in sputum trap or sterile container.
3. Label sample noting the sample source.
1. Collect early morning sample obtained after a deep cough. Do not pool samples.
2. Patient must rinse mouth with water before sputum is collected. Instruct patient to avoid adding saliva or nasopharyngeal discharges to the sample.
3. Collect the expectorated sputum in a sterile container.
4. Label sample noting the specimen source.
TRACHEAL ASPIRATE - BACTERIAL AEROBIC CULTURE and/or FUNGAL CULTURE
1. Collect specimen avoiding contamination by orapharyngeal flora.
2. Place aspirate in sputum trap or sterile container.
3. Label sample noting the sample source.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Sources other than sputum or tracheal aspirate
Gram stain shows >/= 10 squamous epithelial cells/low power field for sputum cultures
Improper specimen collection, storage, and transport
>/= 2 cultures in 24 hours
Gram stain shows >/= 10 squamous epithelial cells/low power field for sputum cultures
Improper specimen collection, storage, and transport
>/= 2 cultures in 24 hours
Reference Range
Normal respiratory flora
Performing Laboratory
Guthrie Clinic Lab
