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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE, GENITAL, AEROBIC

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2136    Geisinger Epic ID:  47498

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Vaginal, cervix, labia, Bartholin cyst, urethra, prostatic secretions, penile drainage


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Amies or Liquid Stuarts Swab
Specimen required: 

One swab.


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.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

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


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Eswab/Other swab: < 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.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

No growth. Normal flora, if applicable.


CPT code(s):  87070
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 and identification of aerobic pathogens. Semi-quantitation of normal flora if appropriate. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and bacterial identification performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply.

Gram stains are not considered diagnostic for female genital specimens due to high burden of normal flora. If a Gram stain is needed on a male genital specimen, it must be ordered separately.


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

Aerobic, culture, vaginal, cervix, GENC


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

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