Culture, Upper Respiratory (Nasal/Nasopharyngeal)
Orderable EAP code:
Billable EAP Codes:
CPT Codes:
Lab Section:
Turnaround Time:
48 hours
Test Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 6 am to 7 pm.
Specimen Requirements:
Preferred specimen type:
E-Swab (Aerobes and Anaerobes) (Opens in a new window) (Opens in a new window)
Stuart Swab (Aerobes only) (Opens in a new window)
Storage and Transport: Once a swab sample is collected, it should be placed immediately into the E-Swab transport tube or Stuart swab where it comes in contact with the transport medium. It should be transported to the laboratory, preferably within 2 hours of collection to maintain optimum organism viability. If immediate delivery is delayed, then specimens should be refrigerated at 4 to 8 degrees C or stored at room temperature (20 to 25 degrees C) and processed within 48 hours.
Rejection criteria: Unlabeled specimens, mislabeled specimens, expired media, or past stability.
Pediatric Specimen Requirements:
See above.