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Culture, Respiratory Secretions
MessageFor Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.
Test Code
CULREG
Alias/See Also
3931;
Respiratory Secretions Culture;
Lower Respiratory Tract Culture;
Respiratory Secretions Culture;
Lower Respiratory Tract Culture;
CPT Codes
87070, 87205*** When a culture is positive there will be a reflex for each identification and susceptibility performed
Preferred Specimen
First morning specimen preferred. (minimum 5 mL)
Instructions
Instruct patient to rinse mouth, cough deeply and collect expectorated sputum (not saliva) in sterile cup. 24 hour specimens are not acceptable.
Transport Container
Sterile Container
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature = 1 day
Refreigerated = 1 day may cause some organisms to not grow
Frozen = unacceptable
Refreigerated = 1 day may cause some organisms to not grow
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
MB
Report Available
4 days
Clinical Significance
Isolation of potential respiratory pathogens can be useful in the diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. This specimen may contain normal oral flora. The significance of any isolate must be evaluated with this in mind.
Performing Laboratory
Compunet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439
Last Updated: January 6, 2024
