Test Overview
Test Methodology

Culture

Test Usage

Isolate, identify and quantitate aerobic organisms.

Reference Range *

No growth of aerobic bacteria

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

Test Limitations

Bronch brush is unsuitable for direct smear. BAL: Direct smear will be performed.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily
Analytic Time

Preliminary results are reported in 18 - 24 hours. Negative cultures are reported after 3 days.

Soft Order Code
QRESP
MiChart Code
Quantitative Respiratory Culture/Smear
Synonyms
  • Aerobe Bacterial Culture, Bronch Brush Quantitative
  • BAL Culture
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Culture
  • Quantitative Bronch Brush Aerobe Bacterial Culture
  • Bronch Brush Quantitative, Aerobic Bacterial Culture
  • Quantitative Culture, Respiratory
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Specimen transport should be arranged so that the specimen is received by MLabs within 24 hours of collection. Call for a STAT courier or send via overnight delivery. Send BAL specimens in a sterile container with no additive, at 4 degrees C (refrigerated). Testing on bronch brush specimens is available only to University of Michigan registered patients.

Normal Volume
1 brush or 0.5 ml (BAL)
Storage Temperature
Brush: ambient, BAL: refrigerated.
Rejection Criteria
Brush not received in transport brush tube, broth received without brush, brush specimen older than 1 hour.
Additional Information

Brush: All organisms isolated with 3000 or more CFU/brush will be identified. BAL: Up to 3 significant organisms at 10,000 CFU/mL will be identified. A gram negative rod in pure culture will be identified at < 10,000 CFU/mL. Test includes susceptibility testing of potentially pathogenic organism(s) at an additional charge unless specifically declined.

Billing
CPT Code
87071
Fee Code
32385
NY State Approved
No