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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6658 Culture, Eye, Fungus

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:

Fungal cultures are held for 24 to 28 days. Physician and/or nurse in charge of patient will be notified immediately of any significant fungal growth.

Specimen Requirements

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

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT Code:

87102 - culture, fungus; isolation other
87106 - culture fungus, definitive identification, yeast (if appropriate)

87107 - culture fungus, definitive identification, mold (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