Test Code LAB900 Culture, Sputum, Aerobic
Additional Codes
44046
Reporting Title
Sputum Aerobic Culture
Methodology
Specimen screened for specimen acceptability; includes Gram stain, identification, and susceptibilities when appropriate.
Performing Laboratory
OhioHealth Laboratory Services-RMH Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Aseptically collect a single, first-morning, “deep-cough” sputum specimen (minimum volume: 1 mL) from a fasting patient as follows:
1. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water.
2. Have patient remove dentures.
3. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into a tightly-sealing, screw-capped, sterile container. (Saliva is not acceptable.)
4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date, 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. Leuken’s trap or sterile tracheal aspirate is also acceptable.
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)