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Test Code CULTCT Culture, Catheter Tip, IV

Methodology

Note:  Foley catheters are not acceptable for culture.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection.

 

1. Disinfect skin around catheter site.
2. Aseptically remove catheter.
3. Aseptically clip 5 cm (2 inches) of the distal tip of catheter into a sterile, leakproof container.
4. Label container with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Forward specimen promptly.

Note:  1. Do not submit more than 5 cm (2 inches) of the catheter.

2. Maximum storage of specimen is 24 hours at ambient temperature.

Reference Values

No growth

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

Huntsville Hospital Laboratory

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070 - culture, aerobic
87077 - identification, aerobic
87181 - per antibiotic (if appropriate)
87184 - per plate-disk method (if appropriate)
87185 - beta-lactamase (if appropriate)
87186 - per panel-microdilution (if appropriate)