Lower Respiratory Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity with Gram Stain

General Information

Lab Name

Lower Resp C/S w/Gram

Lab Code

LRSC

Epic Name

Culture Resp Lower, Bact w/ Stain

Description

For R/O Mycoplasma pneumoniae, see Mycoplasma pneumoniae by PCR [MPNPCR].

Synonyms

Bronchial Culture, ETT Culture, Sputum Culture

Components

Guidelines

Reference Range

See individual components

Specimen Type: Sputum, Tracheal Aspirate, Endotracheal Tube Suction (ETT)
Collection: Sputum: obtain specimen from deep cough (usually in AM), induction or intubation; do not send saliva.

Sputum gram stains are screened for oropharyngeal contamination and specimens are rejected for culture if the gram stain shows few WBC's and greater squamous epithelial cells. A new specimen will be requested for culture from in-house patients.
Handling Instructions: Transport specimens in a sterile, leak-proof container. Ideally, specimens should be transported to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection. If transport time will exceed 2 hours, specimens should be stored and transported refrigerated.

Specimens will be rejected for culture if received > 24 hours after collection. Viability of organisms is significantly reduced after 24 hours. Consider molecular testing if sample is 24-48 hrs old.
Quantity: Requested: Sputum: 2-5 mL, Tracheal Aspirate: 1-2 mL
Minimum: 1 mL

Lab Department

Microbiology(MC)

Frequency

Processed upon receipt

Available STAT?

Yes-Gram stain

Performing Location(s)

CL	Infectious Disease Division (IDD) - Phenotypic Microbiology 206-520-4600 1601 Lind Ave SW Room 466 Renton, WA 98057	Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM– 11:30 PM

CPT Codes: 87070, 87205
LOINC: 6460-0
Interfaced Order Code: UOW2679
Billing Comments: Bronchial fluid Gram stains are concentrated by cytocentrifugation, which is an additional charge (see ADDCON).