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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6638 Culture, Nose

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.

General Information:

The use of this culture is to isolate and identify potentially pathogenic organisms. It is especially recommended for pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Haemophilus.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Anterior Nares
1. Collect specimen using a culture transport swab premoistened with sterile saline.

2. Gently insert swab about 1 inch into nose.
3. Rotate against nasal mucosa.

4. Return swab to culture transport tube.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

 

Nasopharynx
1. Obtain specimen using a nasopharyngeal swab (ie, Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM).
2. Remove cap with swab attached. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.
3. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.
4. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.
5. Return swab to culture transport tube.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

Usual respiratory flora
Automatic call-back:  positive for meningococcus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT Code:

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)

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