Test directory: Aspirate Culture with Gram Stain

Ordering Code5521
Test NameAspirate Culture with Gram Stain
Preferred ContainerSterile Container (e.g. Vacutainer tube without preservative)
Other Specimen/ContainerSyringe with needle removed and replaced with a Luer Tip
Cap. Bacterial transport devices without transport media.
Optimum Volume3 mL
Transport RequirementsOahu: Ambient
Airline: Ambient
Specimen StabilityAmbient: 1 Day
Aspirate specimens will be accepted up to 2 days, but fastidious organisms may not remain viable after 1 day, or if specimen is received refrigerated.
Rejection CriteriaExpired container/transport media, Frozen, Leaking specimen
Avail. StatYES
Analytic TimeUp to 5 Days
Preliminary reports at 24 and 48 hours. Additional time is required for identification and/or susceptibility testing if culture is positive.
MethodologyGram stain - microscopic examination of smear for bacteria and differentiation using a Gram stain
Culture - visual examination for bacterial growth on selective and non-selective media.

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of March 31, 2025.
ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
Source:ALLSee report.
Report Status:ALLSee report.
Gram Stain:ALLSee report.
CultureALLSee report.