CSF CULTURE (INCLUDES GRAM STAIN)

Test Code

LAB268

CPT Codes
87070, 87205, 87015

Includes

Bacterial culture, gram stain,and susceptibility (if indicated)

Preferred Specimen

CSF in a sterile vial or sterile leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

1 mL fluid

Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

Unstable, send to lab immediately

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

Specimen received in unsterile containers will be rejected. Specimens handled by other laboratories will be considered "non-sterile" and will routinely not be cultured.

Methodology
Culture

Setup Schedule

Sunday-Saturday

Reference Range

No growth in 5 days.

Clinical Significance

All positive gram stains and cultures will be called to licensed caregiver.

Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
Berkeley Medical Center
Braxton County Memorial
Camden Clark Medical Center
Jackson General Hospital
Jefferson Medical Center
Princeton Community Hospital
Reynolds Memorial Hospital
Summersville Regional Medical Center
St. Joseph’s Hospital
United Hospital Center
Uniontown Hospital
Wetzel County Hospital
Wheeling Hospital

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.