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Test Code LAB7006 Culture, Lesion with Gram Stain

Intended Use

This test is performed in order to isolate and identify pathologically significant organisms from Lesion cultures should be ordered for superficial wound cultures where anaerobe involvement is not suspected.

Methodology

Conventional Culture Technique/Conventional Gram Stain Procedure

Performing Laboratory

RCH

Specimen Requirements

Collect specimen using Eswab or other culture transport swab containing either Amies or Stuart liquid transport medium

Specimens should be transported to the laboratory promptly.

Specimen Stability

Ambient (preferred): up to 48 hours

Refrigerated: up to 48 hours

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

CPT Coding

87205 - gram stain
87070 - aerobic culture

Specimen Collection Guidelines

Use universal precautions.

  1. Cleanse the skin with 70% alcohol or sterile water.
  2. If the lesion is open, the surface material should be removed, and the exudate from the interior collected on a Culturette.
  3. If the lesion is closed, aspirate with a sterile syringe, or open the pustule and collect the fluid using a culture collection swab.
  4. Inoculate the specimen to appropriate media as soon as possible. Specimens from lesions may be refrigerated without significant loss of pathogens.