CULTURE, VASCULAR LIN TIP

Test Code

CVL

CPT Codes
87070

Preferred Specimen

SPECIMEN

Transport Container

STERILE CUP

Transport Temperature

REF - 24 HRS

Setup Schedule

Set Up:
Report Available:

Reference Range

CULTURE, VASCULAR LIN TIP

Clinical Significance

Intravascular catheter-related infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, aerobic gram-negative bacilli, and Candida albicans most commonly cause catheter-related bloodstream infection. Management of catheter-related infection varies according to the type of catheter involved. After appropriate cultures of blood and catheter samples are done, empirical iv antimicrobial therapy should be initiated on the basis of clinical clues, the severity of the patient's acute illness, underlying disease, and the potential pathogen(s) involved.
Tips from various vascular lines (CVP, PICC, Umbilical, Swan-Ganz, Hickman, etc) are submitted in a sterile cup. No gram stain will be performed on these specimens.

Performing Laboratory
LMH - Microbiology x3758 or 3759

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.