UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital Clinical Laboratory - Microbiology
Collect
2–5 mL in a sterile container
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial wash
Sputum
Tracheal aspirate
Minimum volume: 2 mL
Specimen Preparation
Remove suction tubing top from sterile container and replace with the transport cap included in package.
Unacceptable Conditions
Poor quality sputum (presence of greater than 10 epithelial cells/lpf).
Subsequent samples during the same 24-hour period.
Sample not properly identified, non-sterile or leaking container, incorrect container, insufficient volume, or past stability.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Internal: ASAP* ambient Offsite: Transport ASAP.* Ambient preferred.
*Delay in transport may result in overgrowth of contaminating flora.
Performed
Daily
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Room Temp (preferred): ASAP within 2 hours Refrigerated: 24 hours. Refrigeration may compromise the recovery of fastidious organisms Frozen: Unacceptable
Remarks
For cystic fibrosis or lung transplant patients—order LAB3696 CRESPCF.
This order is for routine bacterial culture only. For other requests, order specific culture (e.g., LAB3452 CAFB for Mycobacterial culture).
Care provider will be notified of unacceptable specimens.
Identification and susceptibility testing will be performed according to evidence-based practices.
Cultures will be held for 7 days.
Notes
Indicate any unusual suspected organisms on order.
Performed
Daily
Methodology
Standard microbiology procedures for bacterial stain, aerobic culture and identification.
Reported
Preliminary: 1 day
Final: Negative at 2 days
Synonyms
CRESP
EPIC Code
LAB3277
CRESP
Reference Interval
Usual respiratory flora
CPT Codes
87070
Collection
EPIC Code
LAB3277
CRESP
Performing Lab
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital Clinical Laboratory - Microbiology
Collect
2–5 mL in a sterile container
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial wash
Sputum
Tracheal aspirate
Minimum volume: 2 mL
Specimen Preparation
Remove suction tubing top from sterile container and replace with the transport cap included in package.
Unacceptable Conditions
Poor quality sputum (presence of greater than 10 epithelial cells/lpf).
Subsequent samples during the same 24-hour period.
Sample not properly identified, non-sterile or leaking container, incorrect container, insufficient volume, or past stability.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Internal: ASAP* ambient Offsite: Transport ASAP.* Ambient preferred.
*Delay in transport may result in overgrowth of contaminating flora.
Performed
Daily
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Room Temp (preferred): ASAP within 2 hours Refrigerated: 24 hours. Refrigeration may compromise the recovery of fastidious organisms Frozen: Unacceptable
Remarks
For cystic fibrosis or lung transplant patients—order LAB3696 CRESPCF.
This order is for routine bacterial culture only. For other requests, order specific culture (e.g., LAB3452 CAFB for Mycobacterial culture).
Care provider will be notified of unacceptable specimens.
Identification and susceptibility testing will be performed according to evidence-based practices.
Cultures will be held for 7 days.
Notes
Indicate any unusual suspected organisms on order.
Ordering
Performed
Daily
Methodology
Standard microbiology procedures for bacterial stain, aerobic culture and identification.
