Test Detail

WOUND CULTURE

Mnemonic:

LAB503

CPT Code:

87070 87205 87075

Order Information

Alias	WC
Synonym	Wound culture and gram stain
Specimen Type	Wounds, abscesses, drainage exudates. Swab specimens are acceptable but suboptimal. Use eSwab for aerobic and anaerobic collection. Source and site of specimen are required. An anaerobic culture can be added on upon request of the clinician if the swab received supports anaerobes (Eswab). See Anaerobic Culture
Specimen Handling	eSwabs or syringe containing aspirate. Do not send needle. Use tip cap. Transport at room temperature.
Unacceptable Conditions	Leaking containers or specimens in formalin, dry swabs.
Methodology	Standard reference method for isolation and identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Schedule	Sun-Sat
Additional Information	Remove surface exudate by wiping with sterile saline or 70% alcohol. Aspirate if possible or pass swab deep into lesion or firmly sample lesions advancing edge. Specify source on test requestion. If souce is eye, ear, fluids, or tissue order specific source culture.
Stability	Room Temperature: eSwab: 48 hours
Turn Around Time	Gram stain: 24 hours; Preliminary: daily; Final: 4 days
Performing Location	CHI Health Laboratory