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Culture, Alveolar Lavage with Gram Stain

Message
If an acid-fast bacillus (AFB) or fungus culture are desired, these tests must be ordered separately.
See C AFB - Culture Acid-Fast Mycobacterium with Smear or C F - Culture, Fungus.


Test Code
C ALVC - MM MMC


CPT Codes
87070, 87205, 87077 per organism (if appropriate), 87186 per organism (if appropriate)

Preferred Specimen
Alveolar lavage (entire specimen) in screw-capped, sterile container or syringe.


Instructions
  • Aspirate specimen collected by a physician using sterile technique. Specimens are usually collected during endoscopy.
  • Label each container (not the lid) with two patient identifiers (full name, DOB or MR), date and time of collection.
  • Maintain sterility and forward promptly.


Transport Temperature
Refrigerate


Specimen Stability
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Alveolar Lavage Ambient 2 hours
Refrigerated 24 hours


Methodology
Conventional Culture Media
Note: Every organism identified by a commercial kit must be billed for bacterial identification. Any organism that requires susceptibility testing will be charged for a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday; Continuously


Report Available
2-3 days


Reference Range
No growth at 2 days. Usual flora may be present.


Performing Laboratory
McKee Medical Center - Microbiology/Molecular Laboratory            



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.