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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE, HARDWARE SONICATE, AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2137    Geisinger Epic ID:  47512

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Prosthetic joint, plates, pins, screws, rods, other hardware.


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Other sterile container
Specimen required: 

Explanted hardware


Special notes: 

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: 

Sterile container, any type: < 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, 87075, 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 semi-quantitation of aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Semi-quantitation of normal flora, if appropriate. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and bacterial identification performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply. An additional fee for specimen concentration will be applied.

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


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

Anaerobe, aerobic, culture, sonicate, sonication, explant, ANAR, HWSONC


Clinical significance: 

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


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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