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Test Code LAB942 Culture, Ear with Gram Stain

Important Note

  • Sources required on patient label and in order.
  • Identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.
Infectious

Additional Codes

Sunquest: CEAR

Collection

Patient Preparation:

Aseptic techniques must be used in obtaining and transporting specimen.

Specimen Type:

Ear drainage or aspirate collected in Copan eSwab or sterile container.

Minimum Volume:

Fluids: 1mL 

eSwab: entire swab

Reasons for Rejection:

Specimen in a non-sterile container or does not meet collection, storage, or transport requirements.

Stability

Ambient: 24 hours (eSwab 48 hours)

Refrigerated: 24 hours (eSwab 48 hours) (Preferred)

Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference Range

Culture Dependent

Methodology

Standard bacterial culture and identification.

Gram Stain

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint Health Pathology Laboratory Ankeny, IA

Days Performed:

Set up Sunday-Saturday (Cultures read on day shift only).

Analytical Time:

Gram Stain: 24 hours

Culture: 2 days

CPT Codes

Culture- 87070

Gram stain- 87205