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Alphabetical Index
Sputum Culture, Bacterial (088-0062)
Test Mnemonic:

C SP
Specimen Requirements:

Sputum
Collection:

Early AM deep cough specimens are recommended. Induced sputum collection by Respiratory Therapy tech. Tracheal aspirations.
Container:

Sterile container, Lukens tube, ESwab
Minimum Volume:

2ml
Storage/Transport:

Room temperature. 

Stability:

<= 48 hours
Causes for Rejection:

Leaking container, more than one specimen submitted within a 72-hour time, specimen contaminated with upper respiratory tract secretions, insufficient quantity of sample for all requested tests. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection or collector information on order.
Methodology:

Gram stain to confirm the adequacy of the specimen, then culture to identify potential pathogens, and perform susceptibility, if appropriate. 
Performed:

Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

 2-4 Days
Reference Range:

Only Respiratory flora isolated.
CPT 4 Code:

 87070- culture; 87205 - Gram stain, additional codes in indicated
Note:

Each sample has a Gram stain performed on it to ensure specimen adequately represents a lower respiratory  specimen. The culture is not performed if the sample has many epithelial cells.
Synonyms:

Culture, sputum; Induced sputum culture; Culture, induced sputum, Endotracheal aspirate, Trach
Clinical Indication:

 Pneumonia
Effective Date: 05/13/2024
Reviewed By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 05/20/2019
Approved By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 05/16/2024
When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.

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