Test Code LAB224 Culture, Catheter Tip, Aerobic

Additional Codes

44019

IV Cath Tip Aerobic Culture

Includes culture of various types of catheter tips; semiquantitative culture method, and susceptibilities when appropriate.

OhioHealth Laboratory Services-RMH Microbiology

1. Disinfect skin around catheter with iodine before removing catheter.

2. Aseptically cut off approximately 2 inches of catheter, include area of catheter directly below skin.

3. Place catheter tip in a screw-capped, sterile container. There should be no liquid/fluid in container.

4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note: 1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

2. Urinary catheter tips are not cultured under any circumstances.

Ambient/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO

No growth or probable colonization in amounts <15 colony forming units.

A susceptibility test will automatically be set up on isolates found in amounts of >15 colony forming units as appropriate.

Critical value: all positives

Monday through Sunday

87070 - aerobic culture
87077 - definitive identification, each (if appropriate)

87147 - serotyping, each (if appropriate)

87181 - E-test, each (if appropriate)

87185 - enzyme detection, each (if appropriate)

87186 - susceptibility, minimum inhibitory concentration, each (if appropriate)