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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE ATTEST

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3413    Geisinger Epic ID:  14602
Test Restriction:  Orderable only by laboratory staff for non-Geisinger clients.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Bacillus spore strips. Brown: Steam. Blue: Steam (flash).


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

One autoclaved spore strip.


Special notes: 

Check expiration date/condition of media before use. Check indicator strip on spore strip to assure it was autoclaved properly. Required to submit a positive control (unsterilized Attest) of the same lot number as the sterilized Attest as control. Must submit with test.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Do not crush attest ampule


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (18-25°C).


Specimen stability: 

=24 hours at room temperature


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Attest ampule crushed before transport. Greater than 24 hours after spore strip was placed in an autoclave run. No positive control submitted with spore strip.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive
CPT code(s):  87999
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: 

Determines antibacterial effectiveness of steam and ethylene oxide sterilizers


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

Clinical significance: 

Positive test result (growth of spores) may be indicative of improper function of sterilizer


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

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