Skip to main content

Aerobic Bacteria Isolation from Clinical Specimen

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #: MAA0025A
CPT:  87077 

Synonym(s): Aerobe, culture
Requisition Form G-2B
Test Description Aerobic isolation from clinical specimens
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
  • Blood or blood culture bottles
  • CSF
  • Tissues
  • Lymph nodes
  • Autopsy specimens
  • Sputum (only for Legionella)
Minimum Volume/Size Required •    Blood: tiger-top tube, red-top tube, or blood culture bottle
•    CSF: ≥1 mL
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping CSF:
  • must be collected in sterile container
  • maintained at room temperature
  • must be received by laboratory within 24 hours of collection. 

Lymph node or lymph node aspirate:

  • must be collected in sterile container
  • shipped on cold pack.

Bronchial washes or lavages:

  • must be collected in sterile container
  • shipped on cold pack. 

Autopsy specimens: 

  • must be received by laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Transport Medium Autopsy swab specimens may be collected and stored in Amies or Stuarts Transport
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
  • Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
Turn-around Time 7-21 days

Interferences/Limitations

 

 

 

  • Material must be viable. Improper storage or shipping temperatures limit organism recovery.
  • In the event of an outbreak, the procedure may be modified to screen for an additional set of organisms.
  • Where a specific agent of an outbreak has been previously identified and there is a backlog of specimens, the procedure may be modified to screen only for specified organisms.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Insufficient quantity
  • Unacceptable specimen type or source
  • Improper shipping conditions
  • Expired media or collection container
  • Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
  • Incomplete or missing submission form
Additional Information N/A