Culture, Cystic Fibrosis

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Ordered on known Cystic Fibrosis patients only.

Test Code

CULCF

Alias/See Also

73690;
Cystic Fibrosis Culture

CPT Codes
87070*** When a culture is positive there will be a reflex for each identification and susceptibility performed

Preferred Specimen

First morning sputum sample. (minimum approximately 1 mL of specimen or 1 culturette swab for sputum or other respiratory fluid)

Instructions

Rinse mouth prior to collecting a deep cough specimen.

Transport Container

Sterile Container

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature = 1 day
Refrigerated = 1 day
Frozen = unacceptable

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

24 Hour sputums will not be processed. Processing will be delayed if test is not indicated on requisition. Frozen specimen.

Methodology
Conventional Isolation and Identification Techniques. Susceptibilities will be performed on appropriate isolates.

Setup Schedule

Sunday - Saturday
MB

Report Available

7 days

Clinical Significance

One of the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis is thick mucosal secretions that results in chronic respiratory infections. Special procedures are used when culturing respiratory specimens from these patients. The significance of a specific isolate must be determined by considering the specimen source, method of collection, and the potential for contaminating organisms.

Performing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439

Last Updated: December 7, 2021

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.