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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6604 Culture, Blood, Fungus

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory

Methodology


Reflex Information:This test may automatically reflex to other tests. An additional fee may be added. The ordering physician/provider must indicate if the reflex test is NOT DESIRED. Indicate on order if no reflex test is desired.

Method Name:

BacT/ALERT® Instrumentation

General Information:

Fungal cultures are held for 24 to 28 days. Physician and/or nurse in charge of patient will be notified immediately of any significant fungal growth.

Specimen Requirements

It is recommended to draw at least 2 blood cultures per septic episode as this will increase the chances of recovery of a fungus.

 

Collect specimen using only BacT/ALERT® aerobic blood culture bottle as follows:
1. Disinfect stopper of bottle with 70% alcohol and allow to dry.
2. Thoroughly cleanse venipuncture site with 70% alcohol moving in concentric circles to periphery. If site must be touched during venipuncture, disinfect gloved fingers.
3. Draw 1 mL to 4 mL of blood for children and 5 mL to 10 mL of blood for adults and place into the aerobic blood culture bottle.

4. Label bottle with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note:  1. Blood cultures should not be drawn through a line unless they cannot be obtained by venipuncture. If drawn from a line, discard first 5 mL, unless the line is to be cultured.
2. Method of specimen collection and amount of blood drawn directly influence the success of the recovery of isolates and interpretation of results.
3. Factors directly influencing culture results:
A. Volume of blood drawn is perhaps the most important factor.
B. Method of skin disinfection is also critical.

Reference Values

No growth
Automatic call-back:  positive for any systemic fungus

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT Code:

87103 - isolation and presumptive identification
87106 - culture fungus, definitive identification, yeast (if appropriate)

87107 - culture fungus, definitive identification, mold (if appropriate)

Microbiology Coding:
Proper coding for MICROBIOLOGY tests depends on what procedures are actually performed which may depend on the organism(s) isolated. When a culture is initially set up, organism(s) may be isolated and a presumptive identification takes place. When/if an organism(s) grows, a definitive identification and possible MIC of each organism may be indicated.

Specimen Requirements Additional Information

Laboratory Department(s):  Microbiology

Physician Office Specimen Requirements Additional Information

All