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Culture, Sputum Cystic Fibrosis
MessageEffective November 28, 2025, Cystic Fibrosis Sputum Cultures will be permanently referred to Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Due to the short specimen stability, it will be necessary to coordinate collection and receipt of the specimen at the Central Laboratory.
This test should be ordered as an Uncoded, Miscellaneous test (UNCMS).
Please note the special instructions below.
This test should be ordered as an Uncoded, Miscellaneous test (UNCMS).
Please note the special instructions below.
Test Code
CFSPU (UNCMS)
Alias/See Also
Mayo Clinic test code: CFRC - Bacterial Culture, Cystic Fibrosis, Respiratory
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis
CPT Codes
87070
Includes
In addition to routine bacterial culture plates, this test will also include media for the selection of Burkholderia cepacia.
Preferred Specimen
Sputum (expectorated or induced), bronchial aspirate/washing, sinus aspirate, bronchoalveolar lavage, endotracheal or tracheal specimen collected in a sterile container from a cystic fibrosis patient.
Patient Preparation
None
Minimum Volume
5-10 mL sputum
Instructions
Specimens may only be collected Monday through Thursday.
On the day of collection:
On the day of collection:
- Before 11 am: Call the Reference Department at the Central Laboratory at 219-803-4744 to notify them that a cystic fibrosis sputum culture will be arriving.
- Specimens must be received at the Central Laboratory by 12 pm (noon) on the day of collection. Arrange for a STAT courier to deliver specimens.
Transport Container
Sterile container
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Specimen Stability
2-8°C up to 48 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
- Improperly labeled specimen
- Specimen receivced after prolonged delay
Methodology
Routine culture
Setup Schedule
M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su
Report Available
Within 5-12 days of receipt at the performing laboratory.
Clinical Significance
Life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased steadily over the past 50 years, in large part due to improvements in the management of lung disease in this patient population. Still, chronic lung infection is responsible for 75-85% of deaths in patients with CF. Appropriate treatment for the causitive organism can reduce morbidity and mortality.
The number of microbial species associated with CF lung disease is relatively limited. These include Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mucoid and nonmucoid), Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia complex, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, other non-fermenting gram-negative rods, Haemphilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Nontuberculous mycobacteria and Aspergillus species may also play a role in CF lung disease, in addition to common respiratory viruses. This culture is specifically designed and utilizes conventional and additional selective media (compared to non-CF respiratory cultures) to isolate bacteria commonly associated with pulmonary disease in patients with CF.
The number of microbial species associated with CF lung disease is relatively limited. These include Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mucoid and nonmucoid), Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia complex, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, other non-fermenting gram-negative rods, Haemphilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Nontuberculous mycobacteria and Aspergillus species may also play a role in CF lung disease, in addition to common respiratory viruses. This culture is specifically designed and utilizes conventional and additional selective media (compared to non-CF respiratory cultures) to isolate bacteria commonly associated with pulmonary disease in patients with CF.
Performed By
Alverno Laboratories
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Rochester Main Campus
Additional Information
Mayo CFRC
Last Updated: November 25, 2025
