Test Overview
Test Methodology

Culture

Test Usage

Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic organisms.

Reference Range *

No growth

Test Limitations

If the specimen is refrigerated, reduced recovery of fastidious pathogens is possible.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily, 24hrs
Analytic Time

Preliminary results are reported in 18-24 hours. Catheter tip cultures are reported negative after 3 days.

Soft Order Code
CATH
MiChart Code
Catheter Tip, Aerobic Culture
Synonyms
  • Aerobic Culture, Intravenous Catheter Tip
  • Catheter Tip, Routine Culture
  • Culture, Catheter Tip
  • CATH
  • CATHETER TIP CULTURE
  • Aerobic Culture, Shunt Tip
  • Aerobic Culture, Ventriculostomy Shunt Tip
  • Aerboic Culture, Epidural Shunt Tip
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection

Specimen type: CVP, intravenous catheter tip, shunt tip, epidural shunt tip, or ventriculostomy shunt tip. Blood cultures should be collected at the same time catheter tip is submitted. Remove catheter aseptically from patient. Use sterile scissors to cut off 2-3 inches of catheter tip and place in sterile container. Avoid contamination with normal flora from skin. Indicate current antibiotic therapy and clinical diagnosis.

Normal Volume
1 item
Minimum Volume
1 item
Storage Temperature
Ambient: No
Incubate: No
Refrigerated:Up to 12 hrs
Frozen: No
Rejection Criteria
Specimen not in sterile container. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the client will be notified before disposal of the original specimen.
Additional Information

Test includes culture of catheter tip. Any isolated organisms are quantified and identified presumptively. Test includes susceptibility testing of potentially pathogenic organism(s) at an additional charge unless specifically declined.

Billing
CPT Code
87070
Fee Code
32264
NY State Approved
No