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HelpTest Code TIPC Catheter Tip Culture
Infectious
Specimen and Container/Tube
Specimen Type: Intravenous catheter tip
Preferred Specimen: Sterile, sealable, screw-cap container
Specimen Stability
|
Storage Temperature |
Stability |
|
Room temperature (20 - 25°C) |
24 hours |
|
Refrigerated (2 - 10°C) |
not acceptable |
|
Frozen (-20°C) |
not acceptable |
Collection Instructions
Specimen Collection: Decontamination of overlying skin. Aseptically remove catheter and clip 5 cm of the distal tip directly into a sterile cup.
Specimen Transport: Immediate
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.
Rejection Criteria
- Common specimen rejected situations include: incorrect specimen type, insufficient volume, incorrect collection container, missing or incomplete specimen identifiers, incorrect specimen transport, or specimens outside stability limits.
Reference Values
|
Test |
Age |
Sex |
Reference Range |
|
Culture |
All |
All |
No Growth |
Turnaround Time
Turnaround times are relative to the time the specimen is received in the test laboratory.
STAT Turnaround Time: not available
Routine Turnaround Time: up to 4 days
Testing Schedule: Monday - Sunday
Clinical Indications
- Aid in the diagnosis of bacterial infections.
Methodology
Conventional culture on media
CPT Codes
87071
LOINC Codes
30187071
Synonyms/Keyword Search
TIP CX, BACTERIAL CULTURE, CULTURE, CATH TIP, CATHETER
Last Review Date
02/06/2026