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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE, CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2128    Geisinger Epic ID:  14859

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Sputum, tracheal aspirate, or throat swab from patients with cystic fibrosis


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Sputum Collector
Collection Trap
Specimen required: 

Sputum or tracheal aspirate - 1 mL

Throat - one swab


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use.


Patient preparation: 

Patient instruction required (see Microbiology Collection Appendix Sputum Collection Guidelines)



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature


Specimen stability: 

Unpreserved specimens, room temperature, < 24 hours 
Swabs, room temperature, < 72 hours


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Expired collection device/swab. Grossly contaminated specimen. Delay in transport or transport at wrong temperature.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

No growth or normal pharyngeal flora


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, identification, and semiquantitation of aerobic respiratory pathogens. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply.


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

CYSTIC FIBROSIS, CF, CFC, CULTURE


Clinical significance: 

Diagnosis of microbial pathogens from patients with cystic fibrosis requires special culture methods and culture media that are included in the CF culture. All potential respiratory tract pathogens are identified, with antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed when clinically appropriate.


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

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