ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture : 0060360

Mnemonic: MC DIPH

Methodology: Culture/Identification
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-3 days
Preliminary: 1 day; Final: 3 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Nasopharynx, throat, or wound swab.
Swab nasopharynx and throat at the site of membrane or inflammation to significantly increases recovery. Swab base of cleansed wound, if present.

Specimen Preparation: Place swab in bacterial transport media.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Room temperature.

Remarks: Specimen source preferred.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
Culture negative for Corynebacterium diphtheriae. 
Note: If the organism is isolated, identification and toxin testing will be confirmed by the Center for Disease Control.
CPT Code(s): 87081 presumptive identification.  If definitive identification required, add 87077.
Cross References: Culture, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture) , Diphtheria Culture (Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture)