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Test Code NP NASOPHARYNGEAL CULTURE

Important Note

Note: Specimen source is required.

Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.

Methodology

Conventional Culture Technique

 

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Swab transport tube(s), Ewab Green #65504 (Green Top) or #1178

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions: Obtain specimen using a nasopharyngeal swab as follows:

  1. Remove cap with swab attached. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making the procedure more comfortable for the patient.
  2. Slide swab along floor of the nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.
  3. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.
  4. Insert swab into the swab container to preserve specimen.
  5. Label container with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Reference Values

Normal respiratory flora

Critical value (automatic call-back): meningococcus

Performing Laboratory

Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070-Culture

87076-Anaerobic identification, each (if appropriate)

87077-Aerobic identification, each (if appropriate)

87184-Kirby-Bauer, each (if appropriate)

87186-MIC, each (if appropriate)

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO