For bacterial culture of sterile body fluids, not including synovial fluid or CSF. This test includes Gram stain evaluation and aerobic/anaerobic bacterial cultures. Synovial fluid specimens should be ordered as "Joint Culture" and "Joint Fluid Pathogen Panel, Molecular Detection". Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens should be ordered as "CSF Culture" and "CSF Pathogen Panel Molecular Detection".
1. Disinfect overlying skin with 70% alcohol. 2. Aspirate body fluid using a sterile needle and syringe or via surgery. 3. Place 15 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of body fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container. If arriving in a syringe, needle must be removed prior to transportation. 4. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Transport Instructions
Specimen Stability
Methodology
Microbiology Culture Includes Gram stain.
Days Performed
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Northwell Health Laboratories If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification and/or antibiotic susceptibilities performed when appropriate.
