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Test Code RESPC Culture, Respiratory

Infectious

Additional Codes

EPIC LAB4524

Purpose

For the detection of clinically significant bacterial respiratory  pathogens from sputum, BAL and tracheal aspirates.  The quality of the specimen will be assessed by Gram stain and will be used to reject watery specimens consistent with high oropharyngeal contamination. 

 

NOTE: Special request is required to screen for Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Neisseria meningitidis (please contact the Microbiology department).

Methodology

Conventional culture (includes gram stain).

Sample Type

  • Sputum (deep collection)
  • Induced Sputum
  • BAL/bronchoscopy specimens
  • Aspirates (lung, tracheal)
  • Bronchial Brushing (See set-up notes below)

Set-Up Notes

For Bronchial brushing specimens, the anaerobic blood agar and chocolate plates are streaked for quantitation (lawn). All other plates are streaked for isolation.

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL

Specimen Stability

Temperature Time
Ambient (18-25°C) 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C) N/A
Frozen (-15 to -20°C) N/A

 

Result Reporting

  • Respiratory flora quantitation (rare, few, moderate, many)
  • Bronchial brushing specimens quantitated in CFU/mL
  • Workup of clinically significant pathogens (if indicated)

Rejection Criteria

  • Thin, watery specimens will be graded by Gram stain. Group 1 and 2 specimens will be rejected due to high oropharyngeal contamination.
  • Samples outside stability limits
  • Samples not properly labeled (2 patient identifiers required)

Availability

Performed STAT
24/7 No

 

Performing Laboratory

MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital Laboratory

Lab Department

Microbiology

CPT Code

87205

87070

87077 (if appropriate)

87186 (if appropriate)

87184 (if appropriate)

LOINC

624-7 Bacteria identified Respiratory culture Nom (Sput)