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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6619 Culture and Gram Stain, Spinal Fluid

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Microbiology

Methodology

Culture

Gram stain

MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration)

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive as soon as possible due to some organisms being very fastidious. Call Billings Clinic Laboratory at 866-232-2522 to discuss the best specimen transport.

  1. Spinal fluid should be collected by a physician trained in this procedure.
  2. Submit 2 mL of spinal fluid in a screw-capped, sterile vial.
  3. Label vial with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
  4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
  5. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

No growth
 

Automatic call-back:  any positive

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT Code:

87076 - Culture, bacterial; anaerobic isolate, additional methods required for definitive identification, each isolate
87077 - Culture, bacterial; aerobic isolate, additional methods required for definitive identification, each isolate
87186 - Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; microdilution or agar dilution (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] or breakpoint), each multi-antimicrobial, per plate
87205 - Smear, primary source with interpretation; Gram or Giemsa stain for bacteria, fungi, or cell types
87070 - Culture, bacterial; any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic, with 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.

Profile/Testing Information

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.