Test Directory
857 Culture, Ear
Specimen Type
Specimen Stability
Reference Range
Ear discharge collected with YourSwab™ (BD ESwab) or Culture Swab
24hrs Room Temp
No Growth
Specimen Requirements
Ear discharge. For YourSwab™ (BD ESwab) collection: Transfer collected specimen into the vial, making sure that the sample is in contact with the transport media.
Method
Culture
Schedule
Sun-Sat
Turn-Around Time
48-72 hrs
Instructions/Notes
See Appendix, Microbiology Specimen Collection.
Clinical Utility
To detect a bacterial ear infection, to determine which specific bacteria are present, and to isolate and grow the bacteria for subsequent antibiotic susceptibility testing.
CPT Codes
87071. Additional CPT codes may be charged for bacterial identification and susceptibility testing as warranted.
