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 #

Sputum Culture and Smear

Message
Performing Lab: Lakeview, Regions


Test Code
RH0318


Alias/See Also
Sunquest: SPUTC


CPT Codes
87070; 87205

Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL Sputum in a sterile container


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Transport Container
Sterile container


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated


Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 24 hours


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


Methodology
Culture

Setup Schedule
Daily


Report Available
3 days


Reference Range
No Growth


Clinical Significance
Lower respiratory cultures aid in the differential diagnosis of bacterial and tuberculous, fungal, and nonbacterial pneumonia. If stains and cultures are negative for pathogens, the physician is alerted to look for other causes of chest disease, eg, tumors, viral diseases.




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.