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HelpUpper Respiratory Culture
eDH Procedure Code(s)
LAB228
Test Information
This culture is for throat and nasal sinus specimens.
Throat specimens are screened for specific pathogens; Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus groups A, C and G and Arcanobacterium sp.. Typically, throat culture specimens are sent as follow up to a negative group A strep antigen or PCR test, i.e. back up culture.
Nasal sinus cultures are invasively collected specimens for diagnosis of acute sinusitis.
Other test to consider:
- Group A Strep by PCR [LAB5064]
- Lower Respiratory Culture [LAB267]
Specimen Information
| Specimen Type | Specimen Source | Acceptable Containers | Minimum Test Volume (mL) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | SterCup-R | 1.0 | |
| Varies | Varies | Swab-A | 1.0 | |
Shipping and Handling
Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Refrigerate: 24 hours
Test Components
| Component | LOINC Code |
|---|---|
| UPPER RESPIRATORY CULTURE | 91819-3 |
Turnaround Time (TAT)
2 Days
CPT Code(s)
87070
Performing Lab Section
Microbiology
Performing Lab(s)
Cheshire Medical Center Laboratory (CHE)
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Laboratory (MHMH)