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SPUTUM CULTURE W GRAM STAIN
MessageThe best specimen from all patients should have <= 10 squamous cells at 100X.
Test Code
SC
CPT Codes
87070/87205
Includes
If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).
Preferred Specimen
1 mL of expectorated or induced sputum collected in a sterile container. Transport labeled container to laboratory for testing. For pediatric patients unable to produce a sputum specimen, a respiratory therapist should collect a specimen via suction.
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Rinse or gargle with water to remove excess oral flora. Cough deeply to produce a lower respiratory specimen.
Transport Container
Sterile container
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 12 hours
Refrigerated: 12 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
> 10 Epithelial Cells per low power field seen on gram stain
Sample not collected and transported in sterile container.
Sample transported in eSwab.
Sample not collected and transported in sterile container.
Sample transported in eSwab.
Methodology
Culture
Setup Schedule
when received
Report Available
48-72 hours
Last Updated: April 2, 2024
