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HelpTest Code Billings Clinic: 6645 Culture, Throat
Additional Codes
| Ordering Mnemonic |
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| MayoAccess: BCL256 |
Performing Laboratory
Billings Clinic LaboratoryMethodology
If Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) is suspected, see Billings Clinic: #6807 “Culture, Throat, Neisseria gonorrhoeae.”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. Obtain specimen using a culture transport swab.2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening mouth as wide as possible.
3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab does not touch tongue.
4. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well.
5. Both tonsillar pillars and oropharynx should be swabbed. In 1 continuous motion:
A. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down.
B. Move to back of throat as far down as possible and swab.
C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab.
D. Swab behind uvula and remove swab.
6. Return swab to culture transport tube.
7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Reference Values
Normal throat floraNormal throat flora includes alpha and non-hemolytic strep, Neisseria species, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and diphtheroids. All possible aerobic pathogens will be identified including group A streptococcus.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through SundayTest Classification and CPT Coding
CPT Code: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.