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Test Code LAB250 Gram Stain

Intended Use

The Gram stain is a differential stain developed by Christian Gram in 1884 and is the single most useful test in the clinical microbiology laboratory. The staining reaction of bacteria is an important diagnostic tool in determining subsequent identification procedures.

Methodology

Conventional Gram Stain Procedure

Performing Laboratory

RCH-SPH

Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

  • Clinical specimens in a sterile container or culture transport swab (Eswab or other culture transport swab containing either Amies or Stuart liquid transport medium)
  • Prepared microscope slides placed in a slide container for transport
  • Blood, stool, vaginal/cervical secretions, throat, or nasal specimens will be rejected

Specimen Stability

Stability is based on specimen source. However, as a general rule of thumb, the sooner the laboratory can get the specimen, the more viable it is for culture/gram stain.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

CPT Coding

87205