Gram Stain Smear Routine

Message

Use this test when normal culture does not include a Gram stain. Gram stains are automatically included in the following routine cultures: body fluid, bronchial washing, burn, sputum, tissue, and wound (aerobic).

Test Code

GRAM - MM MMC

CPT Codes
87205

Preferred Specimen

Specimen on swab or in sterile container.

Instructions

Specimen source is required for processing.

Collect as for specific bacterial culture.
Place specimen in a screw-capped sterile container, a swab transport system or slide prepared with material in a slide holder.
Label container (not the lid) or slide with two patient identifiers (full name, DOB or MR), specimen source, and date and time of collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly

Transport Temperature

See culture requirements

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type	Temperature	Time
Sterile Container	Refrigerate	24 hours
Swab	Ambient	48 hours

Methodology
Gram Stain

Setup Schedule

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Sterile body sites: no organisms observed.
Critical value (automatic call-back): STAT requests and any positive on spinal fluid or sterile body fluid.

Clinical Significance

The Gram stain is generally the first step performed in the identification of bacteria and often determines the subsequent
identification procedures.

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.