Respiratory Culture

Test Includes

Gram smear included with culture

Summary Test Name

Respiratory Culture

Transport Time

Deliver to lab within 2 hours of collection

Specimen Stability

2 hour at room temperature

Minimum Volume

>2 ml Fluid

Specimen Transport

Room Temperature

Specimen Tube Type Transport Container Microbiology

Sputum or tracheal aspirate in sterile container, mucous specimen trap or ear drainage collected in sterile container or swab culture collection/transport system

Test Turnaround Time Routines And Stats

Negative at 2 days; Preliminary reports issued at 18 - 24 hours.

Reference Value

Normal Respiratory Flora

Test Results

No growth / Quantity of potential pathogens/quantity of normal respiratory flora; identification and sensitivity performed according to lab criteria.