| Specimen Type | Specimen Stability | Reference Range |
| Sputum in sterile container. |
24hrs Room Temp 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.
|
Related Materials |