Nasal Culture

Test Code

NCP

Alias/See Also

Sinus Culture
Nasal Pharyngeal Culture

CPT Codes
87070

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).

Preferred Specimen

Culturette swab eSwab

Other Acceptable Specimens

ESwab transport

Red Top Culturette

or if fluid has been aspirated, submit in sterile container.

Transport Container

ESwab transport or if fluid has been aspirated, submit in sterile container.

Specimen Stability

24 hours at room temp.

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

Samples not labeled with first and last name and date of birth.
Frozen

Methodology
Culture

Setup Schedule

When recevied

Report Available

72 hours

Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th St
Frederick, MD 21701

Last Updated: November 28, 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.