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Test Code LAB229 Culture, Upper Respiratory, Aerobic

Additional Codes

44035

44252

Reporting Title

Upper Respiratory Aerobic Culture

Methodology

Includes Gram stain, respiratory pathogen identification, and susceptibilities when appropriate.

Performing Laboratory

OhioHealth Laboratory Services-RMH Microbiology

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Gum, Lip, Mouth, or Tongue

1. Collect specimen using a BBLTM CultureSwabTM from affected area.

2. Return swab to sterile BBLTM CultureSwabTM tube.

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

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

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

 

Nasopharynx

1. Collect specimen using a BBLTM CultureSwabTM  with an aluminum shaft.

2. Discard plug from tube.

3. Use flexible aluminum-shafted, wire swab and collect specimen as follows:

A. Gently insert swab into posterior nasopharynx via nose.

B. Rotate swab slowly for 5 seconds to absorb secretions.

C. Remove swab.

4. Return swab (with cap) to sterile BBLTM CultureSwabTM tube.

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

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

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

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO

Reference Values

Normal flora after 48 hours

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070 - aerobic culture

87205 - Gram stain

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)