Culture Bact Respiratory (RSP)
Department: Microbiology
Test Synonym(s): LAB900, Sputum, Culture Bacterial Respiratory, Tracheal, RSP
Test Components: Sputum, Throat
CPT Codes: 87070, 87205
Methodology: Aerobic Culture
Reference Range: Negative for Pseudomonas, Staph aureus and B. cepacia
Tube Type: Sterile sputum container
Specimen: Sputum
Alternate Specimen: Throat
Volume: 5-10 mL
Minimum Volume: 1 mL
Temperature: Room temperature
Stability: Send to lab immediately
Reasons for Rejection: Excessive delay in transport; Leaking container
Days Performed: Daily
TAT: 3-5 days
Significance: The number of microbial species associated with CF lung disease is relatively limited. Emphasis is placed on the recovery of mucoid and nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (including smallcolony variants and methicillin-resistant strains), specific members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Achromobacter spp., and other potential pathogens
Special Instructions:
Main campus respiratory specimens for culture that are sent to the laboratory in the pneumatic tube system must be in a separate bag from other specimens and that specimen bag must be double-bagged. There is no change to the policy that main campus specimens for COVID-19 testing must be walked to the Laboratory. Do not send specimens for COVID testing in the pneumatic tube system.
The CF throat workup does not include Group A Strep unless specifically requested. Gram stains are not perfromed on specimens from CF patients. There will be a separate charge for organism identification and susceptibility when appropriate.
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