Culture, Genital

Message

Performed in the Microbiology Laboratory X65785 (Male urethral: order as CXWND)
Order BD Affirm VPIII (vaginitis panel) for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis for Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida species.
Neisseria gonorrhoea is better detected by Amplied Nucleic Acid testing. Refer to Chlamydia/GC DNA test performed in Chemistry laboratory for suspected Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Chlamydia.

Test Code

CXGEN

Alias/See Also

Culture, vaginal

CPT Codes
87070

Includes

Culture with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates: Gram stain on request

Preferred Specimen

Vaginal swab

Other Acceptable Specimens

Cervical, or Bathololins Cyst Apirate, Urethral (Female)
(Male urethral: order as CXWND)

Instructions

Vagina:
a) Use a speculum without lubricant.
b) Collect secretions from the mucosa high in the vaginal canal with sterile swab.
c) Withdraw the swab and place it in the appropriate transport system.

Cervix:
a)Do not use lubricant during procedure. Wipe cervix clean of vaginal secretion and mucus.
b)Rotate a sterile swab, and obtain exudate from the endocervical glands. Do not use cotton swabs or swabs with wooden shafts for specimen collection. c)If no exudate is seen, insert a sterile swab into the endocervical canal and rotate the swab.

Urethra: Female: Collect specimen one hour or more after patient has urinated.
b)Stimulate discharge by gently massaging urethra against the pubic symphysis through the vagina.
b) Collect the discharge with a sterile swab if discharge cannot be obtained, wash external urethra with betadine soap and rinse with water.
c) Insert a sterile min-tip swab 2 to 4 cm into the endourethra.
d) Gently rotate the swab and leave it in place for one to two seconds.
e) Withdraw the swab and place it in the appropriate transport system.

Bartholin gland: Decontaminate skin with providone-iodine. Aspirate material from duct(s).

Transport Container

Culture swab

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Specimen Stability

Transport all specimens to the Laboratory promptly. This ensures the survival and isolation of fastidious organisms and prevents overgrowth by more hardy bacteria.

Methodology
Culture

Setup Schedule

Test performed Sunday through Saturday 6am- 11pm

Reference Range

No growth or normal genital flora

Clinical Significance

Vaginal culture may be useful in the detection of yeasts in women with symptoms consistent with yeast vaginitis whose wet mount examinations are negtive.
Pathogens associated with pediatric vulvovaginitis include Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcci, Candida species, Hemophilus influenzae and Staph aureus.
Candida species are rarely associated with pediatric vulvovaginitis and usually occur secondary to antibiotic treament, immunosuppressive disease or the wearing of diapers.

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.