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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE, BODY FLUID, AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2124    Geisinger Epic ID:  47486

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Pleural fluid, vitreous fluid, amniotic fluid, peritoneal fluid, peritoneal dialysate, bile, pericardial fluid, other sterile fluid. 
NOTE: Non-sterile fluids (ie abscess, seroma, psoas) should be ordered as Culture, Deep Wound, Aerobic and Anaerobic.


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Sterile specimen container
Sterile screw-cap tube
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Evacu bottle
Sterile collection bag (do not overfill)
Specimen required: 

5 mL or more; minimum 1 mL


Special notes: 

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


Patient preparation: 

Use skin disinfection procedure as appropriate prior to skin puncture where applicable.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

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


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

All collection containers: < 24 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.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

No growth.


CPT code(s):  87070, 87205, 87075
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 and anaerobic organisms. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and bacterial identification performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply. For specimens > 1mL, an additional fee for specimen concentration may apply.

Optimal microbiology practice and recommendations indicate that a Gram stain is to be performed on all body fluids. For that reason, a Gram stain is included at an additional charge with this culture.


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

Aerobic, anaerobic, culture , fluid culture, ANAR, BFCAA


Clinical significance: 

Use to detect the presence of bacteria from normally sterile body fluids. The best quality specimen is aseptically collected, avoiding contamination with superficial microorganisms.


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

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