Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog
CULTURE, BLOOD
Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB2122 Geisinger Epic ID: 7533Blood
Blood culture bottle(s) filled with the appropriate volume based on patient age/weight.
Blood Culture Bottles are not recommended for Histoplasmosis, Legionella (LC), or Mycobacteria (AFBC). Please refer to these other tests for complete information. Specify if Malassezia furfur is suspected (additional studies are performed).
Pediatrics: Collect as follows:
| Weight | Total Volumes to Collect | Pediatric | Aerobic | Anaerobic | |
| kg | lbs | ml | Pink or Yellow* | Blue or Green* | Purple or Orange |
| <4 | 0-8.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 ml | n/a | n/a |
| 4-13 | 8.8-28.6 | 3.0 - 4.0 ml | 3.0 - 4.0 ml | n/a | n/a |
| 13-25 | 28.6-55 | 10.0 | n/a | 5.0 ml | 5.0 ml |
| >25.0 | 55 | 20.0 | n/a | 10.0 ml | 10.0 ml |
Pediatric guidelines were developed in conjunction with pediatric physicians at GMC, following guidelines developed at Mayo Clinic.
Room temperature
Room temperature < 24 hours for Blood Culture Bottles
Greater than 4 sets per day. Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Grossly contaminated specimens. Delay in transport or transport at wrong temperature.
No growth
If 2 sets of blood cultures are requested by an Epic provider, order a BLC and BLC2 in Epic. Each test code is for a single set of bottles. Blood culture bottles are continuously monitored for up to 5 days before a final result is issued.
For bacterial or fungal sepsis, two sets of cultures per patient collected by separate venipuncture is the standard of care for the Geisinger Health System for all adults and children.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
Isolation and identification of aerobic and/or anaerobic bacteria and yeast. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply.
BLOOD, BLOOD CULTURE, BLC, SEPSIS, ENDOCARDITIS, CULTURE, SEPTICEMIA
Use for diagnosis of suspect septicemia due to bacteria or yeast. Susceptibility testing and organism identification routinely performed on clinically significant isolates.
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)