Test Directory DD

8466Sputum Culture
Specimen Type
Specimen Stability
Reference Range
Sputum
24 Hours Refrigerated
See Report
Specimen Requirements
Sputum should be submitted in sterile, leak-proof container
Specimen Type:Sputum
Method
Bacteriologic culture, which includes routine isolation and identification procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing performed when appropriate.
Schedule
Monday-Saturday
Clinical Utility
By plating specimens from patients with clinical symptoms onto selective media, it is possible to identify the etiologic causes of infections.
CPT Codes
87070, 87205 If culture is positive, identification and susceptibility (if appropriate) will be performed at an additional charge.