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 # |
Culture, Ear
Test CodeC EAR - MM MMC
CPT Codes
87070, 87077 per organism (if appropriate), 87186 per organism (if appropriate)
Preferred Specimen
Specimen Source is required.
For multiple specimens, place separate orders for each specimen.
For multiple specimens, place separate orders for each specimen.
- Aspirate in screw-capped, sterile container.
- Collection Instructions: Aspirate of tympanic membrane collected by a physician using sterile technique.Submit specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container. Label container (not lid) with two patient identifiers (full name, DOB or MR), specimen source, and date and time of collection. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
- eSwab of Drainage
- Collection Instructions: Cleanse external canal with mild antiseptic. Collect specimen using a eSwab transport system. Swab otitis drainage from active margin, preferably including fresh secretion from deeper areas. Return swab to included sterile tube. Label container with two patient identifiers (full name, DOB or MR), specimen source, and date and time of collection. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Specimen Stability
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
Apirate | Refrigerate | 24 hours |
eSwab | Refrigerate | 48 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 in 2 days. Usual flora may be present.
Clinical Significance
The significance of any isolate(s), in pure or mixed culture, must be assessed with respect to the source cultured, the organism's pathogenic potential, the possibility of colonization versus infection, and the number of other organisms recovered from the same culture.
Performing Laboratory
McKee Medical Center - Microbiology/Molecular Laboratory