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Test Code LAB267 Bronchial Culture

Important Note

Preferred sources include:

  • Bronchial Washings or Brushings
  • BAL
  • Tracheal Aspirate

Useful For

Diagnosing bacterial respiratory infections

Methodology

Conventional Biochemical Identification Methods

Performing Laboratory

Bozeman Health Laboratory Services

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) , bronchial washing or bronchial brushing

Container/Tube: BAL collection container

Collection Instructions:

Note: Specimen should be collected by a trained professional.

  1. Aseptically collect BAL, bronchial washing or brushing
  2. Avoid contaminating bronchoscope with tap water as saprophytic mycobacteria may produce false-positive culture or smear results.
  3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection.

 

Specimen Rejection:

1. Saliva

2. Frozen sample

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient <2 hours/Refrigerated >2 hours

Specimen Stability

 

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Tracheal Aspirate; Bronchial brushings, washes or lavage Ambient 2 hours
  Refrigerated 24 hours

Reference Values

No pathogens isolated

Additional Information

  • This test includes a Gram Stain.
  • Identification and susceptibilities will be performed, if appropriate, at an additional charge.
  • Quantitative bronchial cultures are available by special request.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87205-Gram stain

87070-Culture (if appropriate)

87077-Aerobic identification (if appropriate)

87186-Susceptibilities (if appropriate)

87147-Identification, each (if appropriate)