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Test Code LAB224 Culture, Catheter Tip

Infectious

Specimen Type

Catheter tip

Specimen Requirement

Catheter tip: Cleanse the skin around the catheter site with alcohol. Aseptically remove the catheter and clip a 5 cm distal tip of the catheter directly into a sterile container.

Storage and Transport

Transport specimen to the Microbiology Lab within 30 minutes at room temperature to prevent drying.

If transport is delayed, specimens may be stored at 2-8° C for up to 24 hours before testing.

Testing Schedule

Performed daily

Reference Range

< 15 colony forming units isolated or no growth in 3 days

Method

Culture (Maki method)

CPT Code

87070

Additional Information

Acceptable catheters: central, CVP, hickman, Broviac, peripheral, arterial, umbilical, hyperalimentation, and Swan-Ganz.

Turnaround Time

Preliminary Result 24 hours

STAT Turnaround Time

Not Applicable