Laboratory Test Directory

Synonyms: Culture, abscess

CPT 4 Code: 87070

Test Order Mnemonic: C ABS

Test Includes: Gram stain, isolation of aerobic bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility testing when appropriate

Applies To: Isolation of aerobic and anaerobic organisms

Lab: Bacteriology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: Aseptic technique; aspirate/drainage/tissue preferred; swab acceptable

Storage Instructions: Room temperature

Causes for Rejection: Unlabelled specimen

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at the Microbiology Processing Laboratory, Room 5.137 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: Preliminary report after 1 day, final report after 3-5 days

Special Instructions: Indicate on the request form any additional clinical information so that appropriate processing will occur. Not all specimen types are routinely cultured for anaerobic bacteria even if requested. Contact Microbiology Director on-call with specific questions.

Specimen: Aspirate or abscess

Minimum Volume: 0.5 ml

Container: Sterile container, culturette

Reviewed 09/6/11 by T. Friloux