Body Fluid Culture, Sterile, Routine
Also known as: Culture, Body Fluid, Sterile, Routine, Sterile Body Fluid Culture
Use
Isolate and identify pathogenic organisms from normally sterile body fluids
Special Instructions
It is important to indicate the specific source and pertinent clinical history on the request form. Avoid using expired transport devices and ensure that swabs contain visible fluid for accurate testing.
Limitations
Contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vaginal tract, or other body surfaces should be avoided, as it could affect the results of the test. The test may be limited by the types of organisms that can be cultured under aerobic conditions. Anaerobic bacteria, fastidious organisms, and other types of microorganisms may not be detected if they do not grow in the provided culture conditions.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 611-4
- 611-4
Result Turnaround Time
4-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Sterile tube or other sterile leakproof container, blood culture bottle, Vacutainer™ Plus no Additive tube, sodium heparin tube, and swabs with visible fluid
Collection Instructions
Ensure that contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vaginal tract, or other body surfaces is avoided. If anaerobes are suspected, order Anaerobic Culture [008904].
Patient Preparation
Swab skin over the site of puncture with 2% tincture of iodine in concentric circles. Iodine should remain in contact with skin for at least one minute prior to puncture to ensure complete antisepsis. Following puncture, use 70% alcohol to remove iodine from skin.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling; red-top Vacutainer™ tubes; swabs without visible fluid
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant