Catheter Tip Culture

Message

Testing performed at York Hospital Laboratory.

If positive, an identification and sensitivy will be performed at an additional charge.

Test Code

CSCTIP

CPT Codes
87070

Preferred Specimen

Catheter tip

Instructions

Disinfect the skin around the catheter and aseptically remove the catheter. Clip 5 cm of the distal tip directly into a sterile container and transport immediately to the lab to prevent drying.

Transport Container

Sterile Container, Leak-Proof

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: Not recommended
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Foley Catheters

Methodology
Culture

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Negative Culture - Finalized at 4 days

Clinical Significance

When colonization of an indwelling catheter is suspected of being the cause of septicemia, the catheter tip may be cultured to determine its status. The number of colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria on the catheter directly relates to whether it's the source of infection.

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.