Campylobacter, Culture

Test Code

4475

CPT Codes
87046

Includes

If culture is positive, an identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077).
Susceptibilities are performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87186).

Preferred Specimen

Stool collected in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium

Minimum Volume

1 gram or 1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Rectal swab in Amies or Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium

Instructions

Collect in clean, dry container and then transfer a minimum of 1 gram or 1 mL into a Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium. Fluid level should reach line on vial.

Transport Container

Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stool or swab in Cary-Blair
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Unpreserved at any temperature • Frozen specimens in Cary-Blair stool culture transport • Expired transport medium • Specimen in diaper • Parasitology transport vials

Methodology
Bacterial Culture • Aerobic Isolation and Identification Procedures

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

4-8 days

Clinical Significance

Campylobacter is considered a pathogen when isolated from clinical specimens. Its identification is important for control and treatment. Campylobacter jejuni is the most common pathogenic Campylobacter isolated from stool. Other Campylobacter species have also been associated with gastroenteritis.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

Last Updated: November 6, 2024

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.