HELICOBACTER PYLORI CULTURE WITH GRAM STAIN

Test Code

LAB4021

Quest Code

36994

CPT Codes
87081, 87205

Includes

If Helicobacter pylori Culture is Isolated, then Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Helicobacter pylori, MIC will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87181 (x5)).

Preferred Specimen

3 mm Gastric/Antral or Duodenal biopsy collected in Brucella broth or Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) with 10-20% glycerol

Minimum Volume

Any amount

Instructions

Preferred: Broth with glycerol frozen at less than or equal to -70° C (dry ice)
Acceptable: Broth with or without glycerol 2-8° C
Acceptable: Sterile non-bacteriostatic saline 2-8° C

Transport Container

Brucella broth or equivalent with 10-20% glycerol

Transport Temperature

Brucella broth or equivalent with glycerol:
Frozen -70° C

Broth with or without glycerol, or sterile non-bacteriostatic saline:
Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Specimens with glycerol
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen -20° C: Unacceptable
Frozen -70° C: 5 days

All other specimens
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Transport swab with or without gel • Stool

Methodology
Culture

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Daily

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

Helicobacter pylori has been associated with peptic ulcer disease and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-Chantilly VA

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20151-2228

Last Updated: October 16, 2025

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.