Test Code Billings Clinic: 6735 Culture, Genital, Group B Strep Only
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
Specimen must arrive as soon as possible. Call Billings Clinic Laboratory at 866-232-2522 to discuss the best specimen transport.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Acceptable Specimens:
Cervix, endocervical fluid, endometrial fluid, prostatic fluid,
urethral, or vaginal
Aspirate
1. Submit 2 mL of aspirated endocervical, endometrial, or prostatic
fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient
temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note: Specimen source is required on request
form for processing.
Swab
1. Obtain 2 swab specimens from infected site.
2. Wipe away excess secretion or discharge.
3. For males, insert urethrogenital swab (ie, Mini-Tip
CULTURETTETM) 2 cm to 4 cm into urethral lumen and
rotate; leave in place for at least 2 seconds.
4. For females, insert a large culture transport
swab into vagina and swab endocervix.
5. Return swab to culture transport tube.
6. For the second swab, swab the rectum just inside the anal
sphincter specimen and return swab to the culture transport
tube.
7. Label tubes 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. Do not refrigerate.
Note: Specimen source is required on request
form for processing.
Reference Values
Normal vaginal/skin flora
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification and CPT Coding
CPT Code:
87077 - definitive identification, aerobic; each isolate
87186 - MIC; each isolate
87070 - isolation and presumptive identification of isolates
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.