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Test Code LAB269 Body Fluid Culture and Direct Smear

Synonym

  • BFCX
  • Sterile fluid culture 

Specimen Required

Specimen Source: CSF
Preferred Container/Tube: CSF Tube 3
Acceptable Container/Tube: CSF Tube 3, Sterile Container, CSF Tube 1, CSF Tube 2, CSF Tube 4
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

 

Specimen Source: Sterile body fluid
Acceptable Container/Tube: Sterile Container
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

 

If limited specimen is received, tests will be processed in the following order of priority. Tests unable to be processed will be canceled. 
                  1. Aerobic culture
                  2. Anaerobic culture
                  3. Fungal culture

Specimen Collection Information

Transport specimen to laboratory as soon as possible.

1–1.5 mL should be collected for culture. E-swab  must not be used for body fluid collection under any circumstances. All body fluid specimens must be submitted in sterile, leak-proof containers. A separate body fluid specimen must be submitted for mycobacterial culture, as it requires distinct handling and processing protocols.

Specimen Stability Information

Ambient: 24 hours

Rejected Due To

  • Body fluid received in Eswab
  • Syringe with needle attached
  • Use of anticoagulant preservative (eg, EDTA, Sodium Heparin)

Testing Algorithm

When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed at an additional charge.

Reflex Test

Reporting Name Available Separately Always Reported
Gram Stain No No
MALDI-TOF No No
Susceptibilities No No

Reference Values

No growth

Method Description

Smear
Culture
Susceptibility (if appropriate)

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab UH
Clinical Lab University East

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Preliminary report: 1 day
Final report: 4 days

Reporting Name

Body Fluid Culture

CPT Code Information

87070
87205
87015
87077 (if appropriate)
87186 (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

11546-9
6463-4