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Test Code SSCULT Surgical Site Culture

Important Note

This test code is not applicable for specimens submitted on culture swabs.  Specimens MUST be collected in a sterile surgical setting.  

 

Specimens submitted on swabs will be reordered as a wound culture.

Performing Laboratory

YRMC, Microbiology

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

 

Cultures are held for 48 hours before a final report is issued.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.

 

Aspirates or Debridement Material – collected aseptically from abscesses or wounds after incision and/or debridement.

 

Specimens may be submitted in sterile containers or in syringes with the needles removed and replaced by syringe caps.

 

Swab specimens are sub-optimal for Surgical Site cultures and are not recommended or encouraged.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient.

 

Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 2 hours of collection.

Reference Values

No growth after 48 hours of incubation

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070 – Culture

Additional CPT codes and charges may be added.

Collection Instructions

The acquisition of the sample following initial debridement and cleansing of superficial debris is recognized as being the most useful method for determining the microbial load and the presence of invasive pathogens.  These specimens are suitable for aerobic and anaerobic cultures. 

 

Surgical site culture specimens are most likely collected during surgical incision and debridement procedures. Optimal specimens are obtained after debridement and removal of the biofilm and any colonized/contaminated area of the wound or abscess.

Methodology

Culture, Aerobic Conventional

 

Gram Stain included.

Loinc Code

595-9