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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE, URINE, QUANTITATIVE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2150    Geisinger Epic ID:  33398

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Clean catch/midstream urine, catheterized urine, nephrostomy, cystoscopy, ileal loop ileostomy, suprapubic bladder tap


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Sterile specimen container
Specimen required: 

Urine C&S preservative tube filled to minimum fill line


Special notes: 

See GML Urine Specimen Collection Guide. If a small volume of urine is collected (< 3 mL), do not place in C&S preservative tube. Submit in sterile specimen container at 2-8° C. Low colony count testing performed upon request. Must be specified on order. Instructions for urine collection from a new nephrostomy bag


Patient preparation: 

Use skin disinfection procedure (for suprapubic collection only). See Collection Appendix for instructions.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Urine in C&S preservative tube: 0-48 hours room temperature 
Unpreserved urine: 0-2 hours at room temperature, 0-24 hours refrigerate 2-8°C


Specimen stability: 

Urine in C&S preservative tube: 0-48 hours room temperature 
Unpreserved urine: 0-2 hours at room temperature, 0-24 hours refrigerate 2-8° C


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Unpreserved Urine (3mL or greater). Grossly contaminated specimens. Inadequately filled transport devices. Expired transport device. Delay in transport or transport at wrong temperature.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Multiple flora suggest contamination or colonization, less than 1,000 colonies/mL = no growth, or < 10,000 mixed flora, or < 10,000 one colony type.


Additional information: 

Urine culture interpretive guide


CPT code(s):  87086
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Isolation identification and semiquantitation of aerobic urinary pathogens. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply. Does not include Gram stain; must be ordered separately, if desired. 


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

URINE, CULTURE, QUANTITATIVE, LOW COLONY COUNT, SUPRAPUBIC ASPIRATE, URINE CULTURE, QUR


Clinical significance: 

> 104 CFU/mL of a urogenital pathogen is generally indicative of infection in a symptomatic patient; however, a lower concentration of bacteria may be significant in patients with acute urethral syndrome.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Raquel Martinez, PhD, D(ABMM)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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