Lower Respiratory Culture

Test ID: 

705796

CPT code:

87070

Synonyms:

Bronchial Lavage Culture
Bronchoscopy, Transtracheal Aspirate Culture
Lung Tissue Culture

Test Information:

Potential pathogens recovered by usual culture methods include Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Moraxella catarrhalis, and (rarely) many other organisms. Haemophilus sp and Neisseria sp may not be routinely isolated and identified. Thus, if their presence is clinically suspected, they should be specifically requested.

Specimen Type:

Aspirates, biopsy, tissue, bronchial washing

Requested Volume: 

1 g tissue, 10 to 50 mL lavage fluid, 5 mL bronchial washing

Container Type: 

Sterile screw-cap container

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C

Rejection Criteria

Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; inappropriate specimen transport device; leaking specimen; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually >72 hours)