Test Directory
859 Culture, Sputum (Lower Respiratory)
Specimen Type
Specimen Stability
Reference Range
Sputum in sterile container.
24hrs Room Temp
Up to 48hrs Refrigerated
Up to 48hrs Refrigerated
No Growth/Normal Flora
Specimen Requirements
5-10 ml sputum from a deep cough (expectorated or induced) into a sterile screw cap leak-proof container. SALIVA is not acceptable.
Method
Culture
Schedule
Sun-Sat
Turn-Around Time
48-72hrs
Instructions/Notes
An early morning specimen is best. Have patient brush their teeth and rinse mouth thoroughly 2 or 3 times with water (never mouthwash) before obtaining specimen. Specimen should be kept refrigerated and transported to Pathology, Inc. within 24 hrs of collection.
Clinical Utility
To detect and diagnose bacterial lower respiratory tract infections such as bacterial pneumonia; to determine which specific bacteria are present, and to isolate and grow the bacteria for subsequent antibiotic susceptibility testing.
CPT Codes
87071, 87205. Additional CPT codes may be charged for bacterial identification and susceptibility testing as warranted.
