Culture - Sputum

Culture - Sputum

For respiratory cultures from sputum and tracheal aspirate sources only. Sputum sources are evaluated for acceptability by Gram stain. Unacceptable specimens will not be evaluated for culture growth.

Sputum, Respiratory

Sterile

1. Collect 5 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of a first-morning “deep cough” sputum specimen in a sputum collection container. 2. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs. 3. Have patient remove dentures. 4. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into screw-capped, sterile container provided in kit. 5. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 6. Send specimen refrigerated. 7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Unacceptable specimens 1.Sputum collected in a swab container. 2. Sputum specimen which grossly appears to be saliva, and does not meet the sputum screening criteria.

Microbiology Culture Includes Gram stain. Specimen is screened for acceptability.

Upon receipt

Northwell Health Laboratories If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification and/or antibiotic susceptibilities performed when appropriate.

87070 - culture 87205 - Gram stain

6201150