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Body Fluid Culture

eDH Procedure Code(s)

LAB269 Body Fluid Culture, Aerobic Only
LAB3138 Body Fluid Culture, Aerobic & Anaerobic

Test Information

This test is for sterile body fluids normally present in the body, excluding CSF, urine, and blood.

Collection Information

Collection Recommendations

  • Clean the puncture site with disinfectant (ie. alcohol & iodine) to prevent contamination.
  • Aseptically perform aspiration to obtain fluids.
  • Remove air bubbles from the syringe and immediately place specimen into and E-swab (if anaerobic infection is suspected).

A sterile container is acceptable for recovery of aerobic organisms only.

 

For optimal sensitivity submit any additional fluid in a sterile container

Specimen Information

Specimen Type Specimen Source Acceptable Containers Minimum Test Volume (mL)
Varies Varies SterCup-R 1.0
Varies Varies E-Swb-R 1.0

Shipping and Handling


Transport Temperature: Refrigerated or Ambient (eSwab only)

Specimen Stability (eSwab)
Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerate: 48 hours
Frozen: n/a
Specimen Stability (Sterile Cup)
Ambient: n/a
Refrigerate: 24 hours
Frozen: n/a

Test Components

Component LOINC Code
BODY FLUID CULTURE 610-6
GRAM STAIN 664-3

Turnaround Time (TAT)

4 Days

CPT Code(s)

87070

Performing Lab Section

Microbiology

Performing Lab(s)

Cheshire Medical Center Laboratory (CHE)
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Laboratory (MHMH)