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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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SPUTUM

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB4098    Geisinger Epic ID:  17605

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Expectorated sputum


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Non-sterile specimen container
Specimen required: 

Minimum 5 mL sputum obtained from a deep cough specimen.


Special notes: 

Obtain 5 mL or more deep cough sputum in specimen container labeled with patient name and medical record number.


Patient preparation: 

Instructed in the production of a "deep cough."



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated.


Rejection criteria: 

Inadequate patient identifiers on specimen, unlabeled specimen, discrepancy between patient specimen and requisition information, improper collection.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  88112, 88305
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: 

ThinPrep pap stained slide and cell block for microscopic examination.


Synonyms: 

Cytology, Sputum, lung, lung cancer screening


Clinical significance: 

Detection and characterization of premalignant/malignant lesions of respiratory nature.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Sara Monaco MD
Review Date:  10/21/2024

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