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HelpTest Code LAB503 Culture, Aerobic (with Gram stain)
Infectious
Specimen Type
Tissue, fluid, or swab specimen
Specimen Requirement
Note: a descriptive anatomic source is required
Body fluid: at least 0.5 ml Submit entire collection in a sterile container. Do not submit a swab dipped in the fluid.
Tissue: at least 1 gram (pea size) Submit entire collection in a sterile container. Add a few drops of sterile, non-bacteriostatic saline to prevent desiccation.
Swab: red-topped double swab culturette (1 swab is used for Gram stain, the other for aerobic culture) or eSwab (flocked swab in 1 ml liquid Amies). Collect swab specimen after decontaminating wound. Sample wound base and margins.
Rejection Criteria
Reject if container is unlabeled or leaking.
Reject for inappropriate storage or transport.
Reject if needle is attached.
Storage and Transport
Store specimens from sterile sources at room temperature.
Recommended: transport to lab in 2h; no later than 24h from collection.
Store specimens from non-sterile sources at 2-8 C.
Recommended: transport to lab in 2h; no later than 48h from collection.
Samples from sterile source in anaerobic transport container may be stored at 20-25C. Recommended: transport to lab in 2h; no later than 48h from collection.
Testing Schedule
Performed daily
Reference Range
No growth or no pathogens isolated in 3-4 days.
Testing Department
Microbiology
Method
Culture
CPT Code
87070 and 87205
Turnaround Time
Preliminary Result 24 hours
STAT Turnaround Time
Not Applicable