Culture, Sputum/Lower Respiratory
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Culture, Sputum/Lower Respiratory - Isolation of potential respiratory pathogens can be useful in the diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. This specimen may contain normal oral flora. The significance of any isolate must be evaluated with this in mind.
Test Resources
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Test Details
If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).
Methodology
Antibiotic susceptibility testing when appropriate.
Reference Range(s)
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
3-5 mL sputum
Alternative Specimen(s)
5-10 mL bronchial wash or tracheal aspiration
Collection Instructions
Early morning expectorated sputum from deep cough
Transport Container
Sterile leak-proof screw-cap container
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- Deliver to the Microbiology lab ASAP
- Room temperature: 2 hours maximum, then refrigerate ASAP
- Refrigerated: 24 hours
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria
Any specimen >48 hours old • 24-hour pooled sputum • Sputum received for anaerobic culture • Room temperature specimens 2 hours or older • Specimens which have leaked and contaminated the outside of the collection container • Sputum specimens with >25 epithelial cells per low power field • Received frozen
Refrigerated specimens older than 24 hours but less than 48 hours old may be processed only after contacting the client and informing them that the results may be compromised. If they still desire the specimen cultured, medical director approval must be obtained and documented.
Setup Schedule
Room temperature: 2 hours maximum, then refrigerate ASAP
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Refrigerated specimens older than 24 hours but less than 48 hours old may be processed only after contacting the client and informing them that the results may be compromised. If they still desire the specimen cultured, medical director approval must be obtained and documented.