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Respiratory (Sputum) Culture (Includes Gram Stain)
MessageGram stain, identification, and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.
Test Code
6155
Alias/See Also
Sputum Culture; Respiratory Culture; Culture, Sputum; Culture, Respiratory
Preferred Specimen
Sputum, tracheal aspirate, or gastric aspirate (neonates). Source of specimen is required.
Minimum Volume
Sputum in a sterile, leak-proof container or swabs in bacterial transport media at 2-8°C. Place each specimen in a separate, individually sealed bag.
Transport Temperature
Sputum in a sterile, leak-proof container or swabs in bacterial transport media at 2-8°C. Place each specimen in a separate, individually sealed bag.
Specimen Stability
Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 24 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Nonsterile or leaking containers, multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours), dry specimens, poor quality sputum (presence of greater than 10 epithelial cells per 100x field).
Methodology
Standard reference procedures for bacterial stain, aerobic culture, and identification. Sinus swabs or aspirates should be ordered as a Wound Culture (0060132).
Setup Schedule
Sun-Sat
Report Available
Within 2 daysPreliminary: 1 dayFinal: Negative at 2 days
Limitations
Client will be notified of unacceptable specimen. Refer to Bordetella pertussis Culture, Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture, or Legionella Species, Culture for special instructions, if requested.
Clinical Significance
"Other codes are available for specific respiratory sites:
Sinus culture use code 6150
Nasopharyngeal culture use code 6130
Bronchial wash use code 6055
Throat culture use code 6175"
Sinus culture use code 6150
Nasopharyngeal culture use code 6130
Bronchial wash use code 6055
Throat culture use code 6175"
