ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Respiratory Culture and Gram Stain : 0060122
[ image for: Time Sensitive]
Time Sensitive
  


Mnemonic: MC RESP

Methodology: Stain/Culture/Identification
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 2 days
Preliminary: 1 day
Final: Negative at 2 days
Specimen Required: Patient Prep:

Collect: Respiratory specimen: Sputum, tracheal aspirate, bronchial wash. Acceptable for Neonates: Gastric aspirate.

Specimen Preparation: Swab: Place into bacterial transport media.
Fluid: Transfer to a sterile container. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Remarks: Specimen source required. Refer to Bordetella pertussis Culture (ARUP test code 0060117), Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture (ARUP test code 0060360), or Legionella Species, Culture (ARUP test code 0060113) for special instructions, if requested.

Unacceptable Conditions: Multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours). Dry specimens or poor quality sputum (presence of greater than 10 epithelial cells per 100x field).

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 24 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
Normal respiratory flora.
Identification and susceptibility tests are performed on pathogens.
Note: Gram stain, identification, and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.
CPT Code(s): 87070
Cross References: Bacterial Culture, Aerobic, Respiratory (Respiratory Culture (Includes Gram Stain 0060101)), Culture, Respiratory (Respiratory Culture (Includes Gram Stain 0060101))