| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Respiratory Culture
Test CodeRESP
CPT Codes
87070
Preferred Specimen
Sputum, Tracheal secretions, Endotracheal secretions, Bronchial washing, Bronchial alveolar lavage, Bronchial brush, Lung biopsy.
Minimum Volume
5 mL
Instructions
Only 1 specimen per day of collection will be accepted. Have patient rinse mouth and gargle with seterile water or saline prior to sputum collection. Collect specimen resulting from deep cough in a sterile container. If Legionella testing will be included in the tests requested do not use saline as it is inhibitory to Legionella organisms.
Transport Container
Sterile Container
Transport Temperature
RT up to 2 hrs then 2-8 C
Specimen Stability
2-8 C up to 24 hrs.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Improperly labelled; Improper storage/transport
Methodology
Culture
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
2 days
Reference Range
Normal Upper Respiratory Tract Flora
Clinical Significance
Isolation of potential respiratory pathogens can be useful in the diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. This specimen may contain normal oral flora. The significance of any isolate must be evaluated with this in mind.