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Body Fluid Culture, Sterile, Routine

CPT 87070
Synonyms
  • Culture, Body Fluid, Sterile, Routine
  • Sterile Body Fluid Culture

Test Details

Methodology

Culture

Result Turnaround Time

4 - 5 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Documents

For more information, please view the literature below.

Microbiology Specimen Collection and Transport Guide

Test Includes

Culture; isolation and identification of potential aerobic pathogens (additional charges/CPT code[s] may apply). Susceptibility testing if culture results warrant (at an additional charge). Gram Stain [008540] is recommended with all body fluid cultures (additional charge). CPT coding for microbiology and virology procedures often cannot be determined before the culture is performed. Requests with only a written order and no test number indicated will be processed according to Default Testing for Routine Microbiology.

Use

Isolate and identify pathogenic organisms from normally sterile body fluids

Special Instructions

Indicate the specific source and pertinent clinical history on the request form. Do not use expired transport device.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Aseptically aspirated body fluid (eg, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), synovial, peritoneal fluid). Do not submit syringes with needles attached. Swabs without visible fluid are not acceptable for Body Fluid Culture.

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Container

Sterile tube or other sterile leakproof container, blood culture bottle, Vacutainer™ Plus no Additive tube, sodium heparin tube, and swabs with visible fluid; do not use red-top Vacutainer™ tubes.

Collection Instructions

Contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vaginal tract, or other body surfaces should be avoided. If anaerobes are suspected, order Anaerobic Culture [008904].

Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Patient Preparation

Swab skin over the site of puncture with 2% tincture of iodine in concentric circles. Note: Iodine should remain in contact with skin for at least one minute prior to puncture to ensure complete antisepsis. Following puncture, 70% alcohol is used to remove iodine from skin.

Causes for Rejection

Improper labeling; red-top Vacutainer™ tubes; swabs without visible fluid

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
180802 Body Fluid Culture, Sterile 611-4 180802 Body Fluid Culture, Sterile 611-4
Order Code180802
Order Code NameBody Fluid Culture, Sterile
Order Loinc611-4
Result Code180802
Result Code NameBody Fluid Culture, Sterile
UofM
Result LOINC611-4
Reflex Table for Body Fluid Culture, Sterile
Order Code Order Name Result Code Result Name UofM Result LOINC
Reflex 1 080186 Result 080187 Result 1 611-4
Reflex 1
Order Code080186
Order NameResult
Result Code080187
Result NameResult 1
UofM
Result LOINC611-4
Reflex Table for Body Fluid Culture, Sterile
Order Code Order Name Result Code Result Name UofM Result LOINC
Reflex 1 080186 Result 080188 Result 2 611-4
Reflex 1
Order Code080186
Order NameResult
Result Code080188
Result NameResult 2
UofM
Result LOINC611-4
Reflex Table for Body Fluid Culture, Sterile
Order Code Order Name Result Code Result Name UofM Result LOINC
Reflex 1 080186 Result 080189 Result 3 611-4
Reflex 1
Order Code080186
Order NameResult
Result Code080189
Result NameResult 3
UofM
Result LOINC611-4
Reflex Table for Body Fluid Culture, Sterile
Order Code Order Name Result Code Result Name UofM Result LOINC
Reflex 1 080186 Result 080190 Result 4 611-4
Reflex 1
Order Code080186
Order NameResult
Result Code080190
Result NameResult 4
UofM
Result LOINC611-4
Reflex Table for Body Fluid Culture, Sterile
Order Code Order Name Result Code Result Name UofM Result LOINC
Reflex 1 080186 Result 080191 Antimicrobial Susceptibility 23658-8
Reflex 1
Order Code080186
Order NameResult
Result Code080191
Result NameAntimicrobial Susceptibility
UofM
Result LOINC23658-8