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HelpTest Code 2500026 CULTURE, BLOOD
Infectious
Specimen Requirements
Adults and children over 80 pounds, collect 4-10 mL blood per bottle.
Newborn to 1 year, collect 0.5-1.5 mL blood in yellow bottle.
1-6 years old, collect 0.5-1.0 mL per year of age in yellow bottle.
Child 30-80 lbs., collect 8-24 mL divided between two sets (try to include a green/maroon set).
Specimen Stability Information
Maximum storage of specimen is 24 hours at ambient temperature. If culture is requested on a specimen that exceeds transport/storage requirements, culture results may be compromised (this will be noted in the report).
Reference Values
No growth at 5 days.
Critical Values
Any positive result.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Special Instructions
Typically, order 2 sets of blood cultures and collect 15 minutes apart or from 2 different sites. If one set is collected with an IV start or from a line the next set must be collected peripherally before antibiotic is given. Good hand hygiene is a must!! The volume in the tubes is as important as the timing.
CPT Coding
87040
LOINC Coding
600-7