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HelpTest Code Billings Clinic: 6618 Culture, Bronchial Washings (Bronch Wash)
Performing Laboratory
Billings Clinic LaboratoryMethodology
Includes Gram stain.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.
Specimen Requirements
1. Bronchial washing specimen should be collected by a trained person in the Pulmonary Department2. Submit ≥10 mL of bronchial washings in a screw-capped, sterile container. Avoid contaminating bronchoscope with tap water.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. If there is a delay in transport of ≥2 hours, send specimen refrigerated.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Reference Values
Normal respiratory floraNormal flora includes alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus (Viridans group), Neisseria species, coag-negative Staphylococcus, and diphtheroids.
Automatic call-back: positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through SundayTest Classification and CPT Coding
CPT Code:87077 - definitive identification, aerobic; each isolate
87186 - MIC; each isolate
87205 - Gram stain
87070 - isolation and presumptive identification of isolates (anaerobic culture 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.