| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Culture, Sputum/Lower Respiratory
Test Code4556
CPT Codes
87070, 87205
Includes
Aerobic culture and Gram stain
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).
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
3-5 mL sputum
Other Acceptable Specimens
5-10 mL bronchial wash or tracheal aspiration
Instructions
Early morning expectorated sputum from deep cough
Transport Container
Sterile leak-proof screw-cap container
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Deliver to the Microbiology lab ASAP
Room temperature: 2 hours maximum, then refrigerate ASAP
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Room temperature: 2 hours maximum, then refrigerate ASAP
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Any specimen >48 hours old • 24-hour pooled sputum • Sputum received for anaerobic culture • Room temperature specimens 2 hours or older • Specimens which have leaked and contaminated the outside of the collection container • Sputum specimens with >25 epithelial cells per low power field • Received frozen
Refrigerated specimens older than 24 hours but less than 48 hours old may be processed only after contacting the client and informing them that the results may be compromised. If they still desire the specimen cultured, medical director approval must be obtained and documented.
Refrigerated specimens older than 24 hours but less than 48 hours old may be processed only after contacting the client and informing them that the results may be compromised. If they still desire the specimen cultured, medical director approval must be obtained and documented.
Methodology
Aerobic bacterial culture. Includes gram stain evaluation of specimen, routine isolation and identification procedures.
Antibiotic susceptibility testing when appropriate.
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
2 days
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
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
| Quest Diagnostics-Seattle |
| 1737 Airport Way S Suite 200 |
| Seattle, WA 98134-1636 |
Last Updated: November 6, 2024
