Test Overview

Test Methodology

Culture

Test Usage

Isolate and identify infecting organisms

Reference Range*

No growth

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Fastidious organisms may not be isolated even though they are present in the specimen if recommended transport time is exceeded.
If the culture grows 3 or more significant organisms, no further identification or susceptibilities will be done except on: Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii complex, Group A Beta Streptococcus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Test Details

Days Test Performed

Daily

Analytic Time

Preliminary results are reported in 18-24 hours. The health care provider will be notified of positive deep tissue or bone cultures. Negative cultures are reported after 4 days.

Soft Order Code

DTIS/DTISG

Synonyms

Laboratory

Microbiology

Looking to Order a Test?

We’ve provided helpful links to make ordering easy.

Find a Requisition

All specimens should be accompanied by a requisition.

Submitting Specimens

Learn about how to properly label and where to ship specimens.

Order Kits and Supplies

MLabs provides all the supplies necessary for the collection of specimens.

Test FAQ

Visit our provider FAQ and learn about common questions to ordering tests.

Specimen Requirements

Offsite Collection Instructions

Collect surgical tissue, bone, or biopsy material. The portion of the surgical specimen submitted for this test should be separated from the portion submitted for other testing. Non-Grindable specimens such as bones; the portion of the surgical specimen submitted to the Microbiology laboratory should be separated by the surgeon into separate containers for each test code ordered. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection. Collection: Cleanse area with soap solution. Remove soap with 70% ethanol. Apply 1% tincture of iodine. Iodine must remain on skin 2-4 minutes for maximum effectiveness. Remove with 70% alcohol. If patient is allergic to iodine, alcohol alone can be used. DO NOT touch prepared skin during collection of specimen.

Rejection Criteria

Specimen received on swab.
Specimen older than 12 hours.
Specimen received in fixative.

Container

Normal Volume

0.5 mL - 2.0 mL or piece of tissue, as much as possible.
Non-Grindable specimens such as bones; the portion of the surgical specimen submitted to the Microbiology laboratory should be separated by the surgeon into separate containers for each test code ordered.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL or small piece of tissue

Additional Information

Test includes culture and Gram stain smear if sufficient specimen is received. Potentially pathogenic organisms will be identified. Test includes susceptibility testing of potentially pathogenic organism(s) at an additional charge unless specifically declined. If anaerobes are suspected, submit a properly collected specimen for anaerobic culture.

Billing Information

Fee Codes

CPT Code

87070 Culture, 87205 Smear

Have More Billing Questions?

Explore our helpful billing resources:

Billing Resources

Billing FAQ