ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Staphylococcus Surveillance Culture : 0060124

Mnemonic: MC STAPH

Methodology: Culture/Identification
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 3 days
Preliminary: 1 day
Final: Negative within 3 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Any site or fluid.

Specimen Preparation: Fluid: Transfer specimen to a sterile container.
Swab: Place in bacterial transport media.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Room temperature.

Remarks: Specimen source preferred. All Staphylococcus aureus isolates are screened for methicillin susceptibility.

Unacceptable Conditions: Dry specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
Culture negative for Staphylococcus aureus.
Note: Susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.
CPT Code(s): 87081 presumptive identification.  If definitive identification required, add 87077.
Cross References: Culture, Staphylococcus (Staphylococcus Surveillance Culture) , MRSA (Staphylococcus Surveillance Culture) , Nasal Culture (Staphylococcus Surveillance Culture) , Nose Culture (Staphylococcus Surveillance Culture)