Campylobacter, Culture

Test Code
4475


CPT Codes
87046

Includes
If culture is positive, an identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077).
Susceptibilities are performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87186).


Preferred Specimen
1 g or 1 mL stool in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium


Minimum Volume
1 gram or 1 mL


Other Acceptable Specimens
Rectal swab in Amies or Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium


Instructions
Collect in clean, dry container and then transfer a minimum of 1 gram or 1 mL into a Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium. Fluid level should reach line on vial.


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stool or swab in Cary-Blair
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Unpreserved at any temperature • Frozen specimens in Cary-Blair stool culture transport • Expired transport medium • Specimen in diaper • Parasitology transport vials


Methodology
Bacterial Culture • Aerobic Isolation and Identification Procedures

Setup Schedule
Sets up 7 days a week.


Clinical Significance
Campylobacter is considered a pathogen when isolated from clinical specimens. Its identification is important for control and treatment. Campylobacter jejuni is the most common pathogenic Campylobacter isolated from stool. Other Campylobacter species have also been associated with gastroenteritis.




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.