| Aspirate or Abscess Culture (Aerobic/Anaerobic) (80001014340) | |
|---|---|
| Test Mnemonic: | C ABS |
| Specimen Requirements: | |
| Test Included: | This test is for aerobic bacteria only. If anaerobic bacteria, fungus, viruses or other agents are suspected, order and collect appropriate samples. A gram stain is routinely performed on aspirates, drainages, fluid and culturettes with 2 swabs. |
| Collection: | Using aseptic technique, collect aspiration, drainage, fluid or tissue from the infected site. Culturettes (swabs) are accepted, but not recommended. |
| Container: | Sterile container |
| Storage/Transport: | Room temperature if same day delivery; refrigerate if longer. |
| Stability: | 48 hours |
| Causes for Rejection: | Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly, No date and time of collection on requisition form |
| Reference Range: | No aerobic growth |
| Turnaround Time: | Culture: 2-5 Days; gram stain: 8 hours |
| Methodology: | Gram stain, culture for the isolation and identification of aerobic bacteria, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing when appropriate |
| Performed: | Clinical Microbiology |
| Synonyms: | Culture, abscess; Culture, deep wound; Culture, aspirate; Aerobic culture; Bacterial culture |
| Clinical Indication: | Deep wound/abscess aerobic bacterial infection |
| Patient Preparation : | Cleanse wound/abscess site |
| CPT 4 Code: | 87070- culture, 87205 - gram stain, additional CPT codes if further testing is indicated |
| Note: | Generally, no more that the two predominant organisms on the culture media are fully identified. This test is for aerobic bacteria only. If anaerobic bacteria, fungus, viruses or other agents are suspected, order and collect appropriate samples. A gram stain is routinely performed on aspirates, drainages, fluid and Culturettes with 2 swabs. |
| When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent. | |