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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6622 Culture, Eye

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.

Specimen Requirements

Immediate transport to the laboratory is essential as often only a small number of organisms are present. Call Billings Clinic Laboratory at 866-232-2522 to discuss the best specimen transport.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Corneal Scrapings
Scrapings are more sensitive than swabs for recovery of organisms. Handle carefully.

 

1. Corneal scraping procedure should be performed by a trained ophthalmologist.

2. Using a sterile spatula, scrape ulcers or lesions.

3. Immediately inoculate scraping onto medium.
4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, type of specimen, and right or left eye.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note:  Specimen source (right or left eye) is required on request form for processing.

 

Swab
1. Swabbing procedure should be performed by a trained ophthalmologist.

2. Using 2 sterile culture transport swabs, collect specimen by retracting lower lid and swabbing conjunctival surface or collect pus. Avoid eyelid border and lashes. Do not use a dry swab to collect an eye culture.
3. Return swab to culture transport tube.
4. Repeat steps #1 through #3 for second specimen.

5. Label tubes with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, type of specimen, and right or left eye.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note:  Specimen source (right or left eye) is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

No growth
Automatic call-back:  positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87076 - definitive identification, anaerobic; each isolate
87077 - definitive identification, aerobic; each isolate
87186 - MIC; each isolate
87070 - isolation and presumptive identification of isolates (anaerobic culture if appropriate)

Specimen Requirements Additional Information

Laboratory Department(s):  Microbiology

Physician Office Specimen Requirements Additional Information

All