Skip to main content

Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

  or
  or
  or

CULTURE, TISSUE, AEROBIC

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2147    Geisinger Epic ID:  47488

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Tissue from musculoskeletal, brain, respiratory, liver, urogenital, kidney, cardiac and other sources. Lymph node biopsy, punch biopsy, and bone.


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
ESwab
Specimen required: 

Tissue: 0.5-1 cm diameter (pea size); minimum 0.2 cm (rice grain). 
Grindable bone: 0.5-1 cm diameter (pea size); minimum 0.2cm (rice grain).


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use. When collecting specimen, take precaution to avoid contamination with normal bacterial flora.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Immediately transport all specimens to the laboratory to optimize bacterial recovery.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Sterile container/tube: < 24 hours. 
Eswab: < 72 hours


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Improperly collected specimens. Expired transport device. Grossly contaminated specimens. Delay in transport or transport at the wrong temperature. Large pieces of tissue/bone.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

No growth


CPT code(s):  87070, 87205
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 organisms. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and bacterial identification performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply.

Optimal microbiology practice and recommendations indicate that a Gram stain is to be performed on all tissue specimens. For that reason, a Gram stain is included on all grindable specimens at an additional charge with this culture. Additional specimen processing charge applied for tissue and bone homogenization, when performed. 


Synonyms: 

Aerobic, culture, biopsy, lymph node, ROUT, TSCXA


Clinical significance: 

Significance is determined by relating the growth of a particular microorganism to a specific body site/disease.


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

Performing Locations