Vanderbilt Pathology Laboratory Services
Test Directory
CULTURE SPUTUM BACTERIAL (SPB)
Department: MicrobiologyTest Synonym(s): SPB, Sputum culture
Test Components: Bacterial culture, Gram stain
CPT Codes: 87070: aerobic culture, 87205: gram stain
Methodology: Culture and gram stain
Tube Type: Sterile sputum container
Specimen: Sputum
Volume: 5-10 mL
Temperature: Room temperature
Stability: Send to lab immediately
Reasons for Rejection: Contamination of specimen (presence of > 25 epithelial cells), specimen not received in appropriate sterile container, specimen leaking, excessive delay in transport.
Days Performed: Daily
TAT: Gram stain: 3 hours after arrival in Microbiology Lab, culture: 2-5 days
Special Instructions: Gram stain included with culture and has a separate charge. There will be separate charges for organism identification and susceptibility testing when appropriate. Note on requisition if patient has CF; different media and workups are required for these patients.
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