CULTURE, BACTERIAL, LOWER RESPIRATORY with gram stain

Synonyms: Sputum Culture; Respiratory Culture; Bronchial Lavage Culture; Bronchial Wash Culture; Tracheal Aspirate Culture
Computer Code: (RESCS)
Specimen Collection: Submit sputum, bronchial brush/lavage, tracheal aspirate, refrigerate. Submit specimen in a bronch tube or sterile, capped container.
Minimum Volume: 3 mL
Handling Instructions for Offsite Areas: Transport at 2-8ºC within 24 hours. Specimens with excess epithelial cells visualized on gram stain are categorized as saliva and rejected for routine bacterial culture.
Reference Values: Normal Respiratory Flora: alpha-hemolytic Streptococci, non-hemolytic streptococcus, Micrococcus spp, Neisseria spp, Coryneform bacilli, Haemophilus spp. Potential pathogens include: Haemophilus influenzae, Enterobacteriaceae, gram negative rods, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Cryptococcus. Beta hemolytic Streptococci group A in any numbers is considered a pathogen. In order to distinguish between normal respiratory flora and lower respiratory tract pathogens, a Gram Stain is used to interpret the culture results. Identification and/or susceptibility performed if indicated.
Lab Code: Microbiology
Requisition: MICRO
Test Frequency: Daily
Routine TAT: Neg: 2 days Pos: 2-3 days
Stat TAT:
CPT Code(s): 87070, 87205
LCD or NCD:
Methodology Used:
See Addendum XVII