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sputum culture, bacterial: (088-0062)
Clinical Indication:

 Pneumonia
Test Mnemonic:

 C SP
Methodology:

Gram stain to screen for adequacy of specimen, then culture and identification of pathogenic organisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing when appropriate 
Performed:

 Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

 2-4 Days
Specimen Requirements: Patient Preparation:  Deep productive cough, not saliva. Induced sputum

Collect: Early AM deep cough - lower respiratory sample -collected specimens are recommended. Induced sputum collection by Respiratory Therapy tech.

Specimen Preparation: Sterile cup

Storage/Transport: Room temperature. Refrigerate if transport is delayed.

Stability: 48 hours

Causes for Rejection: Leaking container, more than one specimen submitted within a 72-hour time, specimen contaminated with upper respiratory tract secretions, insufficient quantity of sample for all requested tests.
Clinical Information:

CF (cystic fibrosis) patients are excluded from the gram stain rejection criteria.
Reference Range:

Normal respiratory flora
Note:

Each sample has a gram stain preformed on it to ensure specimen adequately represents lower respiratory  specimen.

CPT 4 Code:

 87070- culture; 87205 - gram stain
Review 5/24/2013 by Theresa Friloux

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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