Test directory: Catheter Tip Culture

Ordering Code4106
Test NameCatheter Tip Culture
AliasIntravenous Catheter Culture
Intralumen Catheter Culture
Arterial Catheter Culture
Preferred SpecimenIntravenous or Arterial Catheter Segment
Preferred ContainerSterile Container
Optimum Volume1 Segment
Handling InstructionsAfter removal of catheter, aseptically cut off the section desired for culture (approximately 0.5 - 1 inch)
Place specimen in a sterile container. Send to laboratory immediately to prevent drying. Gram stains are NOT performed on catheter segments. Submit a swab of the catheter site separately if a gram stain is desired (order code 615).
Transport RequirementsOahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Refrigerated
Specimen StabilityAmbient: 2 Hours
Refrigerated: 1 Day
Rejection CriteriaFrozen, Specimen older than stability limits, Foley catheter received
Avail. StatNO
Analytic Time2 Days
Preliminary report at 24 hours. Additional time is needed for organism identification and susceptibility testing.
MethodologyRoll-plate semi-quantitative culture with visual examination for bacterial growth on/in non-selective media.

Reference range(s)

ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
Source:ALLSee report.
Report Status:ALLSee report.
CultureALLSee report.