Respiratory Quantitative Culture

Test Code
C QA


Alias/See Also
Bronch Brush for Quantitative Anaerobic Culture refer to C QAAN
Routine culture of Bronchial Biopsy Tissue - includes gram stain, refer to C TIS


Includes
Quantitative culture (routine culture) - performed on BAL specimen, Bronch Wash or Protected Brush - includes Gram stain


Preferred Specimen
Bronch Wash (describe as, for example, Left Lower Lobe, Right Upper Lobe, etc.)
Bronch Alveolar Lavage (BAL)
Protected Brush (Note: submit brush in 2cc TSB tube or 2cc sterile saline in sterile container)
 


Instructions
All Bronchial Washing Cultures or Direct Exams
Aspirations of secretions through the inner cannula of the bronchoscope (performed by the physician) 3-5ml in a sterile screw-capped container. 
NOTE: If multiple tests are ordered on a single specimen, 5-20ml additional sample is desirable.


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated


Clinical Significance
Quantitative bacterial cultures of BAL fluid are sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia.




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.