Laboratory Test Directory

respiratory culture, bacterial: (088-0061)

 Upper or lower respiratory infection (see sputum culture for sputum samples)

 C RESP

 Gram stain, culture for the isolation and identification of bacteria, includes susceptibility testing when appropriate.

 Clinical Microbiology

 2-5 Days

Collect: Bronchoscopy, aspiration, or surgical collection of lung specimens, nasal swabs, throat aspirates

Specimen Preparation: Place fluids in sterile container, culturettes

Storage/Transport: Room temperature. Refrigerate if delay in transport.

Stability: 48 hours

Causes for Rejection: Leaking container, insufficient specimen; order sputum culture (C SP) for sputum and endotracheal aspirate samples

Include any special requests or specific pathogens or antimicrobial therapy

No aerobic growth

Gram stain, isolation and identification of aerobic pathogenic bacteria including antimicrobial susceptibility testing when appropriate

 87070, 87205 Gram stain on fluids and aspirates;  additional if appropriate

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

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