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HelpTest Code EARC Culture, Ear, Bacteria
Infectious
Additional Codes
For internal ear sites: If eardrum is intact, physician
should
perform collection by tympanocentesis.
Optimal transport time: < 2 hrs
Specimen and Container/Tube
Specimen Type: Swab, fluid, or aspirate
Preferred Specimen:
Other Acceptable specimens: not applicable
Specimen Stability
|
Storage Temperature |
Stability |
|
Room temperature (20 - 25°C) |
24 hours |
|
Refrigerated (2 - 10°C) |
48 hours. |
|
Frozen (-20°C) |
not acceptable |
Collection Instructions
Specimen Source: Internal
Specimen Collection: If eardrum intact, physician should perform collection by tympanocentesis. Cleanse external canal with mild detergent and collect fluid from beyond eardrum.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.
Specimen Source: External
Specimen Collection: Use moistened swab to remove debris or crust from the ear canal. Firmly rotate swab in outer canal.
Specimen Transport: 24 hr, no refrigeration.
See Microbiology Specimen Collection:
- See category “Ear”, Table 1 BACTERIOLOGY, CHLAMYDIA, MYCOLOGY, MYCOBACTERIOLOGY (AFB), VIROLOGY
Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions
UCMC Onsite Instructions: Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately.
UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions: Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately. Specimens must be received within 24 hours.
Rejection Criteria
Whole blood/unspun samples greater than 6 hours will be
rejected.
Specimens not submitted on ice will be rejected.
Reference Values
|
Analyte |
Age |
Sex |
Reference Range |
|
Ear culture |
All |
Male and female |
No Growth |
Critical Values
Ear culture isolated with critical pathogens.
Clinical Indications
- Screening test for various infections
- Useful in the diagnosis of disease
Test Components
Gram stain
Aerobic culture
Methodology
Conventional culture media.
CPT Codes
87070, 87205
LOINC Codes
30487070, 30687205
Additional Information
For internal ear sites: If eardrum is intact, physician
should
perform collection by tympanocentesis.
Optimal transport time: < 2 hrs
Volume
N/A
Turnaround Time
Gram stain only: within 1 hour of receipt in Microbiology
lab,
if STAT
requested.
Routine Turnaround Time: 1-3 days
Testing Schedule: 24/7
Synonyms/Search Keywords
Aerobic culture, Ear
Last Reviewed Date
05/18/2022