Test directory: Lower Resp Tract Cult w/Gram Stain

Ordering Code 93
Test Name Lower Resp Tract Cult w/Gram Stain
Alias Sputum Culture
Bronchial Brush Culture
Bronchial Wash Culture
Trans-tracheal Culture
Preferred Specimen Expectorated Sputum, Bronchoscopy (Includes Brushings,
Transbronchial Biopsy, Bronchial washes or lavage), Tracheal
Aspirate, Trans-tracheal aspirate
Preferred Container Sterile Container (Cup or plastic conical tube)
Note: Hospital expectorated sputums are evaluated for quality and rejected if the Q-rating is 2 or less.
Optimum Volume 5 mL
Collection Instructions For expectorated sputums, the first morning, deep cough (not saliva) specimen is optimal. Bronchial brushes should be sent in sterile normal saline to prevent drying and separate air-dried slides should be sent for the gram stain. Indicate specimen source on the requisition.
Transport Requirements Oahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Refrigerated
Specimen Stability Ambient: 2 Hours
Refrigerated: 2 Days
Rejection Criteria Specimen older than stability limits, Frozen, Specimens in tissue paper, Pooled specimens, Hospital expectorated sputums with Q-ratings of 2 or less.
Avail. Stat YES
Analytic Time Up to 3 Days
STAT smear results available within 1 hour from receipt by testing department. Routine smear results available with in 1 day. Preliminary culture results at 24 and 48 hours
Additional time is required for identification &/or susceptibility testing if culture is positive.
Methodology Examination for bacterial growth on selective & non-selective media. Microscopic examination of smear for bacteria and human cells, and differentiation using a gram stain.

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of November 22, 2025.
Component Age Male Norm Male Critical Low Male Critical High Female Norm Female Critical High Female Critical Low Units Add'l info
Source: ALL See report.
Report Status: ALL See report.
Gram Stain: ALL See report.
Culture ALL See report.