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HelpTest Code C_RESP Respiratory Culture
EHR Test Codes
| Test Code | Test Name | |
| Atlas | C_RESP | Respiratory Culture |
| Cerner | Respiratory Culture |
Specimen Requirements
Preparation of Patient:
For best diagnostic accuracy, acquire specimen before antimicrobial treatment. Morning collection is most productive. Click link for Sputum Collection Instructions.
Container Type:
Sterile Specimen Container
Specimen Type:
Bronchial Aspirate
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
Brochial Washing
Sputum
Tracheal Aspirate
Specimen Volume:
3 cc minimum .5 cc
Specimen Handling/Transport:
Label specimen container not lid with full legal name (last,first), date of birth, collection date/time, and specimen source.
Transport ambient room temperature or refrigerated 2 - 8oC if > 2 hours.
Specimen Stability/Storage:
2 hours ambient room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated 2 - 8oC
Specimen Rejection:
Sputum received on tissue/kleenex, >25 epitheilia cells, repeat specimens within 48 hours
Performing Laboratory
Munson Medical Center Laboratories
Microbiology Department
Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround
Priority:
Non-Emergent
Frequency:
24 hours 7 days a week
Turnaround:
0 - 2 days
Methodology
Gram stain and aerobic culture
Reporting
Reference Range:
Negative
Critical Decision Level:
None
Clinical Significance
Infections of the lower respiratory tract are the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States. For community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults and the elderly, Streptococcus pneumonia is the cause in 6 to 10% of all cases and 60% of the bacterial cases.
CPT Code(s)
87070 -Culture
87205 -Gram Stain (if applicable)
87077-Identification (if appropriate)
87186-Susceptibilities (if appropriate)