Home
HelpTest Code CSPU Culture, Sputum
Methodology
Presumptive and definitive identification of microorganisms by Gram stain and colony morphology growth on selective media and biochemical panels.Includes Gram stain. Includes susceptibilities as needed at an additional charge.
Useful for isolating and identifying pathogenic bacteria causing infectious processes of the lower respiratory tract.
Performing Laboratory
Sky Lakes Medical Center-MicrobiologySpecimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Type: Sputum; single, “deep-cough,” first-morning specimen (if practical)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: A minimum of 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Specimen source is required.
2. Patient should not have eaten prior to collection.
3. Have patient remove dentures, if applicable.
4. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs which may inhibit growth of mycobacteria.
5. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into container.
6. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.
7. Rejection criteria include delayed transport of >2 hours old, >25 squamous epithelial cells per low power field, multiple specimens within a 24 hour period, or unsterile or leaking container. Saliva is not acceptable.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NOReference Values
Normal respiratory floraDay(s) Test Set Up
Monday through SundayTest Classification and CPT Coding
87070-Culture87205-Gram stain