Test Overview
Test Methodology

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 anaerobic organisms are suspected, an anaerobic culture should be sent.

Test Usage

Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic organisms

Reference Range *

No Growth

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

Test Limitations

If specimen is refrigerated, N. gonorrhoeae, H. influenzae and other fastidious organisms may not be isolated, even though they are present in the specimen. 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 Set Up
Daily
Analytic Time

Preliminary results are reported in 18-24 hours. The health care provider will be notified of positive cultures. Negative cultures are reported after 6 days;

Soft Order Code
PDF
MiChart Code
Sterile Body Fluid Culture, Aerobic
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Acceptable Specimen type: Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid. DO NOT SEND SWABS. Avoid contamination with normal flora from other body surfaces. Specimen Collection: Cleanse area with soap solution. Remove soap with 70% ethanol. Apply 1% tincture of iodine. Leave on skin 2-4 minutes for maximum effectiveness. Remove with 70% alcohol. If patient is allergic to iodine, alcohol can be used alone. Do not touch prepared skin during collection of specimen.

Special Handling

Send specimen to Clinical Microbiology as soon as possible after collection

Normal Volume
Greater than 50 mL dialysis fluid
Minimum Volume
15 mL dialysis fluid
Storage Temperature
Refrigerate if transport to Clinical Microbiology will be delayed.
Additional Information

BacTec culture bottles will be inoculated based upon volume of fluid received

Billing
CPT Code
87070 Culture, 87205 Smear
Fee Code
32264