Laboratory Test Directory

Synonyms: Culture, fluid

CPT4 Code: 87070, if in Bactec bottles 87040 (088-0431)

Test Order Mnemonic: C BF, if in Bactec bottle C BFBN

Test Includes: Gram stain (unless submitted in blood culture bottles); isolation of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria; and antimicrobial susceptibility testing if appropriate. Culture for anaerobic bacteria is not routinely performed on joint fluids.

Applies To: Isolation of aerobic and anaerobic organisms

Lab: Bacteriology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: Aseptic technique; place fluid in sterile container or inject 5-10 ml of fluid into an aerobic blood culture bottle.

Storage Instructions: Room temperature

Causes for Rejection: Submission of culturette, leaking containers, request for anaerobic culture on joint fluid

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 5 days

Specimen: Peritoneal fluid, ascites, joint fluid, pleural fluid, sterile body fluids

Minimum Volume: 3 ml

Container: Sterile, leak-proof container or for large volumes inoculate aerobic blood culture bottle.

Revised 6/22/2011 by T. Friloux