Sputum Culture C SPT

Synonyms

Allscripts (AEHR) Order Name

Culture - Sputum

Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Order Name

Culture - Sputum

EPIC Order Name

Lower Respiratory Culture, Sputum

Clinical Info

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.

Specimen Type

Sputum, Respiratory

Container

Sterile

Collection Instructions

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.

Transport Instructions

Specimen Stability

Methodology

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

Days Performed

Upon receipt

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.

CPT

87070 - culture
87205 - Gram stain

PDM

6201150

Result Interpretation

Normal Respiratory Flora Present

Forms