Actinomyces Culture

Test Code

3900

Includes

If culture is positive, an Identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87076 or 87143 or 87149).

Preferred Specimen

Intrauterine devices collected in a sterile container. Include pus if present.

Minimum Volume

1 IUD

Instructions

Indicate source of specimen on both the requisition and specimen transport device

Transport Container

Sterile container

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Swabs of IUD

Methodology
Bacterial Culture, Anaerobic • Routine Isolation and Identification Procedures

Limitations

Culture may fail to grow in given incubation period or may be overtaken by the growth of more hardy bacteria (obligate and facultative anaerobic bacteria).

Clinical Significance

Actinomyces species are part of the normal flora of the mouth and female genital tract and produce infection primarily as endogenous opportunists. Actinomyces israelii is the primary etiologic agent of actinomycosis. The disease is manifested in three forms: Cervical, thoracic and abdominal lesions typically from sinus tracts which drain pus and "sulfur granules", which are microcolonies of Actinomyces and other bacteria. Pelvic Actinomyces israelii has been described in association with the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs).

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.