Laboratory Services

Culture, Lower Respiratory

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Culture, Lower Respiratory
Synonym(s)

Sputum Culture, Lower Respiratory Culture, Tracheal Aspirate, BAL, Bronchial lavage, Bronchial Brushing, Expectorated Sputum, Endotracheal Culture

Test ID
CULTRESP
General Information

Identify significant bacterial pathogens from sputum/lower respiratory specimens and potential bacterial cause of pneumonia

Specimen Type

Lower Respiratory

Alternate Specimen Type

Sputum, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Bronchoalveolar Brushing, Tracheal Aspirate, Expectorated Sputum, Endotracheal Suction, Throat

Specimen Requirements

Preferred: Specimen in a sterile container, Bronchial brush in saline
Will also accept: Bacterial Culture Transport Swab w/gel, Amies Transport swab

Minimum Sample Volume

1 mL fluid

Stability

Ambient: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours 

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours), frozen specimen, improper labeling, delayed specimens (greater than 72 hours), or poor quality sputum (presence of greater than 10 epithelial cells per 100x field). 

Methodology

Stain/Culture

Estimated TAT

2-4 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.

Testing Schedule

Monday-Saturday

CPT Code(s)

87070
87205

Reference Range

No significant bacterial pathogens isolated.

Reflex Conditions

Identification and susceptibility performed on significant isolates.

Performing Lab

Incyte Diagnostics

LOINC Code(s)

624-7, 32355-0

Additional Information

Organism identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from the culture.