Culture, Sputum/Lower Respiratory [4556X]

Test Code

14208

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

5 mL sputum collected in a sterile leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

Sputum: 3 mL
BAL or aspirate: 5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

10 mL bronchial wash or tracheal aspiration collected in a sterile leak-proof container

Instructions

Sputum: Early morning expectorated sputum from deep cough. Instruct patient to gargle with water and cough deeply to collect deep respiratory specimen in a sterile container.
Please note: State reportable/returnable isolates from this culture include Bacillus anthracis (#784).

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Any specimen >48 hours old • Sputum specimens with >25 epithelial cells per low power field • 24-hour pooled sputum • Received frozen • Room temperature specimens 2 hours or older • Sputum received for anaerobic culture • Specimens which have leaked and contaminated the outside of the collection container

Methodology
Aerobic bacterial culture. Includes gram stain evaluation of specimen, routine isolation and identification procedures.
Antibiotic susceptibility testing when appropriate.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

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.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

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.