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Alphabetical Index
Aspirate or Abscess Culture (Aerobic/Anaerobic) (80001014340)
Test Mnemonic:

 C ABS
Specimen Requirements:
Test Included:

This test is for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria only. If fungus, viruses or other agents are suspected, order and collect appropriate samples.
Collection:

Using aseptic technique, collect aspiration, drainage, or fluid from the infected site. 
Container:

ESwab, Sterile container
Storage/Transport:

Room temperature if same day delivery; refrigerate if longer.
Stability:

48 hours
Causes for Rejection:

Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly, No date and time of collection on requisition form
Methodology:

Gram stain, culture for the isolation  and identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, when appropriate.
Performed:

Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

Culture: 2-5 Days
Reference Range:

No aerobic/ anaerobic growth.
CPT 4 Code:

87070-  aerobic culture, 87075 anaerobic culture, 87205 - Gram stain, additional CPT codes if further testing is indicated
Note:

Generally, no more that the two predominant organisms on the culture media are fully identified. This test is for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria only. If fungus, viruses, or other agents are suspected, order and collect appropriate samples. 
Synonyms:

Culture, abscess; Culture, deep wound; Culture, aspirate; Aerobic culture; Anaerobic culture, Bacterial culture
Patient Preparation :

Cleanse wound/abscess site
Clinical Indication:

Deep wound/abscess aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infection
Effective Date: 10/28/2024
Reviewed By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 09/19/2018
Approved By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 10/28/2024
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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