Geisinger Medical Laboratories Test Catalog

Order Display Name: Geisinger Epic Procedure Code Or ID CPT Code:  

CULTURE, SYNOVIAL FLUID, AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB2146             Geisinger Epic ID: 47478
       

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type:
Synovial fluid, Bursa fluid
Preferred collection container:
Alternate Collection Container:
ESwab
Capped syringe
Anaerobic Transport Media (ATM)
Specimen required:
5-10 mL; minimum 1 mL
For volumes < 0.5mL, add fluid to Eswab liquid transport. Do not send swab.
Special notes:
For volumes less < 0.5 mL, collect with Eswab. Check expiration date on transport device before use. See Collection Appendix for collection instructions and use of ATM. When collecting specimen, take precaution to avoid contamination with normal bacterial flora.
Patient preparation:
Use skin disinfection procedure as appropriate.

SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Specimen processing instructions:
Immediately transport all specimens to the laboratory to optimize bacterial recovery. 
Transport temperature:
Room temperature.
Specimen stability:
ATM or ESwab < 72 hours.
Sterile container or tube: ASAP, < 1 hour optimal.
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 anaerobic culture specimens. For this reason, a Gram stain is included at an additional charge on all specimens for anaerobic culture.

Methodology:
Culture
Synonyms:
Anaerobe, aerobic, culture, bursal fluid culture, fluid culture, ROUT, ANAR
SYNFLC
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), Raquel Martinez, PhD, D(ABMM)    
Review Date: 12/31/2022

Performing Locations

Geisinger Medical Center

Performing laboratory: Microbiology
Technical Lead: Barbara Shoemaker
Frequency: Daily, all shifts
Performed STAT? No
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