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Test Code CULO Culture, Aerobic Bacteria (with Gram Stain)

Infectious

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Varies; a detailed description of the anatomic source is required

 

Container / Tube:

*  Sterile Container (body fluids, respiratory, tissue)

*  BLUE Amies Culturette swab (wound, abscess)

CPT Codes

87205: Gram Smear

87070: Bacterial Culture, Aerobic

Special Instructions

For optimal recovery, fresh tissue or body fluid is preferred. If unable to attain ample specimen in a sterile container, a blue Culturette swab may be used.

 

If the specimen container is a Culturette swab and multiple tests are requested (bacterial, fungal, acid fast, etc.), collect a second swab to maximize test sensitivity.

 

If the specimen cannot be delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour it should be refrigerated.

Testing Schedule

Days Performed: Monday through Sunday

 

Times Performed:

*  Gram Stain: All shifts, 24 hours a day

*  Cultures: Set up on all shifts, read on Day Shift only (0600 - 1430)

 

Turn-around Time:

*  Gram Stain: 1 - 2 hours, may be longer depending upon the time of day, workload and staffing

*  Cultures:

    *  Positive cultures are reported as soon as an organism is detected

    *  Negative cultures will be final at 5 days; preliminary reports are filed daily

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