| Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Culture (8000100944) | |
|---|---|
| Test Mnemonic: | C GC |
| Specimen Requirements: | |
| Collection: | Swab suspected site |
| Container: | Culturette |
| Storage/Transport: | Room temperature |
| Specimen Preparation: | Transport to laboratory as soon as possible since this microorganism does not survive well without added nutrients. |
| Stability: | 48 hours, recovery diminishes with delays |
| Causes for Rejection: | Refrigerated sample; samples collected more than 48 hours prior to delivery to lab, unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form |
| Reference Range: | No Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated |
| Turnaround Time: | 2-3 days |
| Methodology: | Culture |
| Performed: | Clinical Microbiology |
| Synonyms: | GC Culture; GC Screen |
| Clinical Indication: | When culture is needed to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae |
| Patient Preparation : | Vaginal, cervical, urethral, urethra, urine, pharynx, rectal, synovial fluid, or eye samples |
| CPT 4 Code: | 87081, additional if indicated |
| Note: | These cultures are screened for the presence of GC, only. If other pathogens are suspected, refer to those tests. A bacterial culture is recommended in cases of suspected sexual abuse, treatment failures, or from sources that are not approved for ProbeTec test (Refer to GC Amplified Assay). |
| 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-10 code or its verbal equivalent. | |