Respiratory Culture

Included Tests

Aerobic Culture; Respiratory Gram Stain

Specimen Requirements

> 1.0 mL Respiratory Secretions in sterile container Grey Capped Sterile Specimen Collection Cup

Transport And Storage

2 hours Ambient Optimal
24 hours Refrigerated Acceptable

Collection Instructions

Order must include the site of collection 

Collection Sites could be from:  Bronchial Alveolarlavage, Bronchial Brush, Sputum (Aspirated or Expectorated), Tracheal

Please note if Cystic Fibrosis Patient

Expectorated Specimen Collection
If possible, collect a specimen early in the morning before breakfast to obtain an overnight accumulation of secretions. Ask the patient to rinse his mouth with water to reduce specimen contamination. Avoid mouthwash or toothpaste because they may affect the mobility of organisms in the sputum sample. First AM, deep cough specimens are optimal 

Ask patient to cough deeply and expectorate directly in the specimen container. 

Try to obtain at least 5.0 to 10.0 ml of sputum if possible. 

Cap the container and if necessary, clean the exterior. Send specimen to Laboratory immediately. Include important information as to whether the patient was febrile or taking antibiotics. At the order entry, specify if specimen is expectorated or aspirated.

English Expectorated Sputum Collection see Addendum D 
Spanish Expectorated Sputum Collection see Addendum D
Burmese Expectorated Sputum Collection see Addendum D
Arabic Expectorated Sputum Collection see Addendum D

Minimum Volume

1.0 mL

Neonatal Volume

Reference Range:

Growth of usual oral flora

Test Comments:

Pathogen identification usually available after one day.

Methodology:

• Manual

CDM

01412736

CPT Coding

87070, 87205 (Reflexes 87186, 87077)