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Sputum Culture and Smear (SPTG)

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EPIC Test Name

SPUTUM CULTURE

EPIC Code

LAB900

Specimen Requirements

Expectorated sputum, bronchial washings, tracheal aspirate
Minimum Volume:>2 mL
Collection:Collect using standard procedures.
Transport:Room Temperature
Stability:Room Temperature: <2 hours
Refrigerated: <24 hours
Container:Sterile container
Rejection Causes:Predominance of oropharyngeal secretions in sputum
No organisms seen in Gram Stain of tracheal aspirate

Turnaround Time

SpecimenTurnaround TimeFrequency
Expectorated sputum, bronchial washings, tracheal aspiratePreliminary culture results after 24 hours incubation
Final negative culture results available after 2 days
Daily

Additional Information

Refer to Epic order code LAB2721 if submitting respiratory specimens collected from patients diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

Common Synonyms

Sputum culture, Endotracheal aspirate culture, Bronchial wash culture

Performed

Lab
Microbiology - Downtown

Interpretative Information

It is imperative that tracheal specimens be labeled appropriately for correct Gram Stain and culture interpretation.

Test Includes

Culture. Includes Gram Stain.

CPT

87070, 87205

LOINC

624-7

Contact Information

Microbiology - Downtown: (315)464-6800
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