CULTURE, SPUTUM

Message

Notify laboratory if patient has Cystic Fibrosis.

If a Mycobacterium species (AFB, TB), fungus or a virus is suspected, refer to AFB Culture, Fungal Culture, or Viral Culture.

Test Code

SPUTC

CPT Codes
87070; 87205; 87077; 87106; 87107; 87206; 87184; 87185; 87186

Preferred Specimen

Sterile Container

Instructions

Document source

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate specimen if there will be a delay in transportation or processing.

Specimen Stability

15-30°C up to 2 hours.
2-8°C up to 24 hours.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Sputum specimens heavily contaminated with saliva; improperly labeled specimen; or QNS

Methodology
Routine culture

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Examined once per day for 2 days.

Clinical Significance

Useful in diagnosising infections in the respiratory tract. This test may be useful in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of several kinds of lung conditions.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMIC (Microbiology)

Last Updated: June 7, 2023

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.