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HelpTest ID SPUT Bacterial Culture, Aerobic, Respiratory
Useful For
An aid in the diagnosis of lower respiratory bacterial infections including pneumonia
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | Identification Commercial Kit | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| RMALD | Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| GID | Bacteria Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| ISAE | Aerobe Ident by Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| REFID | Additional Identification Procedure | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| SALS | Serologic Agglut Method 1 Ident | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| EC | Serologic Agglut Method 2 Ident | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| SHIG | Serologic Agglut Method 3 Ident | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| STAP | Identification Staphylococcus | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| STRP | Identification Streptococcus | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| BLA | Beta Lactamase | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| CARNP | Carbapenemase-Carba NP Test | Yes, External; No Internal (CARNB Bill Only) | No |
| HODGE | Carbapenamase-Modified Hodge Test | Yes, External; No Internal (HODGB Bill Only) | No |
| KPNRP | KPC and NDM PCR | Yes, External; No Internal (KPND1 Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed and charged.
Method Name
Conventional Culture Technique
Reporting Name
Bacterial Culture, Aerobic, RespSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: Sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, trachea, endotracheal tube, etc.
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. An early-morning expectorated sputum is preferred.
2. Having patient rinse his/her mouth with water immediately prior to specimen collection reduces the number of contaminating oropharyngeal bacteria.
Additional Information: Specimen source is required.
Specimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated | 24 hours |
Clinical Information
Common bacterial agents of acute pneumonia include: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and members of the Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species) Clinical history, physical examination, and chest X-ray are usually adequate for the diagnosis of pneumonia, and antimicrobial treatment is typically based on these findings.
Culture of expectorated sputum is used by some for the evaluation of pneumonia, although controversy exists regarding this practice; both sensitivity and specificity of sputum cultures are generally regarded as poor (<50%). Specificity is improved by collecting expectorated purulent matter from the lower respiratory tract and avoiding mouth and oropharyngeal matter, thereby reducing contamination. Prior to culture, the specimen should be examined for the presence of WBCs (evidence of purulent matter) and a paucity of squamous cells (evidence of minimal contamination by oral matter).
Blood cultures should be performed to establish the definitive etiology of an associated pneumonia. However, only 20% to 30% of patients with bacterial pneumonia are bacteremic.
Reference Values
No growth or usual flora
Identification of probable pathogens
Cautions
When culture of sputum is delayed, successful isolation of bacterial pathogens is less likely, due to the overgrowth of usual oropharyngeal flora.
Interpretation of lower respiratory cultures is often complicated by the presence of usual flora and the possibility of colonization, rather than infection. Results should always be evaluated in light of clinical information.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test uses a standard method. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87070-Bacteria, Culture,Aerobic, Respiratory
87077-Identification Commercial Kit (if appropriate)
87077-Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec (if appropriate)
87077-Bacteria Identification (if appropriate)
87153-Aerobe Ident by Sequencing (if appropriate)
87077-Additional Identification Procedure (if appropriate)
87147 x 5-Serologic Agglut Method 1 Ident (if appropriate)
87147-Serologic Agglut Method 2 Ident (if appropriate)
87147 x 4-Serologic Agglut Method 3 Ident (if appropriate)
87077-Identification Staphylococcus (if appropriate)
87077-Identification Streptococcus (if appropriate)
87185-Beta Lactamase (if appropriate)
87798 x 2-KPC and NDM PCR (if appropriate)
87185-Carbapenemase detection, Carba NP test (if appropriate)
87185-Carbapenemase Detection, Modified Hodge Test (if appropriate)