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Culture, Sputum
MessagePerformed in the Microbiology Laboratory x 65785
Gram stain is routinely performed to determine quality of specimen.
Poor quality specimens , with a high quantity of sqamous epithelial cells will be rejected. Refer to collection instructions below.
Specimens accepted routinely every 72 hrs (3 days).
Consult with laboratory for exceptions.
Gram stain is routinely performed to determine quality of specimen.
Poor quality specimens , with a high quantity of sqamous epithelial cells will be rejected. Refer to collection instructions below.
Specimens accepted routinely every 72 hrs (3 days).
Consult with laboratory for exceptions.
Test Code
CXSP
Alias/See Also
Culture, Sputum
CPT Codes
87070, 87205
Includes
Bacterial culture (CPT 87070) and Gram stain (CPT 87205)
(Reflex to additional bacterial isolate identification if pathogenic organisms are isolated CPT 87077 and bacterial suceptibility if required)
(Reflex to additional bacterial isolate identification if pathogenic organisms are isolated CPT 87077 and bacterial suceptibility if required)
Preferred Specimen
Expectorated or induced sputum
Instructions
Expectorated sputum: Have patient rinse or gargle with water and then cough deeply to produce a lower respiratory tract specimen (not postnasal fluid or saliva).
For induced specimen: have patient rinse mouth with water after brushing gums and tongue.
With aid of nebulizer, have the patient inhale about 25 ml of 3-10% normal saline.
Pediatric patients: Collect via suction for pediatric patient unable to produce specimen.
For induced specimen: have patient rinse mouth with water after brushing gums and tongue.
With aid of nebulizer, have the patient inhale about 25 ml of 3-10% normal saline.
Pediatric patients: Collect via suction for pediatric patient unable to produce specimen.
Transport Container
Sterile, screw cap cup
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Spit , Saliva
Specimens with moderate (>10) or more squamous epithelial cells / low power field, indicates oropharyngeal contamination. Specimens will be rejected. Patient education and collection of a better qulaity purulent specimen is suggested.
Specimens with moderate (>10) or more squamous epithelial cells / low power field, indicates oropharyngeal contamination. Specimens will be rejected. Patient education and collection of a better qulaity purulent specimen is suggested.
Methodology
Culture
Setup Schedule
Tests performed Sunday through Saturday 6am- 11pm
Limitations
Sputum specimens that show large numbers of Squamous Epithelial Cells in the direct Gram Stain are regarded as contaminated with Saliva and normal oral flora.
If the Quantity of Squamous Epithelial Cells present is 3+ or 4+ per low power field the specimen is rejected and the comments: "Test not performed. Gram Stain indicates significant oral contamination" are entered.
If the Quantity of Squamous Epithelial Cells present is 3+ or 4+ per low power field the specimen is rejected and the comments: "Test not performed. Gram Stain indicates significant oral contamination" are entered.
Reference Range
No Growth
Performing Laboratory
Microbiology X65785 / X65786
