Test Name: CULTURE: AEROBIC/ANAEROBIC
Test Code: 2137775
Alias: LAB3006
CPT Code(s): 87070   87075  
Test Includes:

Aerobic culture

Anaerobic culture

Gram stain

Organism ID and Susceptibility testing (when appropriate)
Preferred Specimen:

Tissue biopsy or aspirated material  

Container:

Sterile cup

May put saline on tissue biopsy, to keep it moist.  Please label container "saline" so lab knows it is not formalin.
Alternate Container:

Swab: Preferred is E-swab (white, blue or purple cap).  Alternate: BBL culture swab with Amies gel

Collection Instructions:

Collect specimen (aspirate or exudate) after disinfecting skin surface.   

Transport Temperature:

Room temperature
Stability:

Room temperature: 24 hours    
Rejection Criteria:

The following specimens will be rejected:

aspirates or fluids inserted in Eswab or culturette transport tube;

specimens received in expired transport media;

tissue submitted in formalin;

specimens submitted in collection devices other than the ones listed;

specimens from sites with normal anaerobic flora (oral cavity, respiratory tract, GI and genital tract, skin surface).
Additional Information:

This test includes gram stain, bacterial culture and susceptibility testing on certain pathogens. Specimen site information must be supplied in order to interpret findings correctly. Indicating only "abscess" or "wound" does not relay enough information for culture processing or interpretation of results. Skin and wound cultures may be contaminated with commensal flora from surrounding or adjacent tissue. Tissue biopsies and other surgical specimens are considered to be free of commensal flora.

Additional CPT codes/charges may apply.
Schedule:

Gram stains are reported within 24 hours of specimen receipt.

Aerobic culture plates are examined daily for at least 3 days.

Anaerobic culture plates are examined daily for at least 4 days.

 
Method:

Bacterial culture isolation and microscopic examination

 
Clinical Significance: The demonstration of anaerobes from normally sterile sites (i.e. blood, joint fluid, tissue) is generally clinically significant. The quality and usefulness of an anaerobic culture is directly related to the appropriateness of the specimen, the collection method, and the timely transport and processing of the specimen.
Department: Microbiology
Use:

For Hospital use only:

2133251 Culture: aerobic/anaerobic w/GS, bone

2133310 Culture: aerobic/anaerobic w/GS, other

2133214 Culture: aerobic/anaerobic w/GS, tissue/biopsy

2133212 Culture: aerobic/anaerobic w/GS, wound (superficial)

2133254 Culture: aerobic/anaerobic w/GS, wound (surgical)

reviewed 11/29/19 lw

Reference Ranges: No aerobic or anaerobic growth

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The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
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