Used to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial infections.

In response to infection, fluid may accumulate in any body cavity. Areas of the body from which fluids are commonly sent for microbiological studies include the thorax (thoracentesis or pleural fluid), abdominal cavity (ascites or peritoneal fluid), pericardium (pericardial fluid), synovial fluid, amniotic fluid, and vitreous fluid. Infections in these sites may be caused by aerobes, anaerobes, or a mixture of both. A fluid volume of 1 to 5 mL is adequate for the isolation of most bacteria. Fluid submitted on a swab is suboptimal. False-negative results may occur when insufficient volume is cultured.  False-positive results may occur when sterile technique is not strictly followed.

Interpretation of heavily mixed cultures may be difficult. Guidelines for identification and susceptibility testing of isolates are based on specimen source, method of collection, and numbers of different isolates and specific potential pathogens present.

Gram stain, aerobic and anaerobic culture used to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial infections.

Includes identification and susceptibility testing where appropriate at additional charges.

CPT coding cannot be determined before the culture is completed.