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HelpTest Code CXRES Culture, Respiratory with Gram Stain
Performing Laboratory
Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory
Specimen Required
Sputum:
Obtain from deep cough into sterile container
Volume required:
Bacterial culture: >1 ml
Fungus: 3-5 ml
AFB: 5-10 ml
Bronchoscopy:
Obtained by physician by bronchial lavage (BAL) or protected specimen brushings (PSB).
Sterile container
Bacterial culture: >1 ml
Fungus: 3-5 ml
AFB: 5-10 ml
Sputum, induced
Sterile container.
Tracheostomy or endotracheal aspirate:
Sterile Container
Lung aspirate or biopsy:
Capped syringe
Sterile tube
1-2 cm² piece of tissue in a sterile container.
May be processed for anaerobic culture, if submitted in appropriate condition.
Specimen Type
Expectorated sputum
Bronchoscopy
Induced sputum
Tracheostomy and endotracheal aspirates.
Note: Tracheostomy aspirate should only be cultured if clinical pneumonia is present.
Lung aspirate or biopsy.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient: Deliver within 2 hours.
If delivery is delayed: Refrigerate 2-8°C
Specimen Stability Information
24 hours.
Reject Due To
Sputum (expectorated) specimens and Endotracheal Aspirates will be evaluated for adequacy. If the specimen is deemed inadequate for culture the healthcare provider will be notified.
Adequacy is determined by WBC and epithelial cell assessment as noted on the Gram stain.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Reference Values
No growth, normal flora.
Method Name
Conventional Culture and Biochemical identification methods.
Susceptibility may be performed upon request at an additional charge.