Culture, bacterial; any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic, with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Culture, bacterial; any other source except urine, blood, or stool, aerobic, with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates.
Summary
This procedure involves collecting a sample from a body site other than urine, blood, or stool to detect the presence of aerobic bacteria. The sample is then cultured in a lab to grow any bacteria present. The bacteria are isolated and preliminarily identified to help diagnose infections.
Purpose
The procedure aims to identify bacterial infections from sources like wounds, respiratory secretions, or body fluids. It helps determine the type of bacteria causing the infection and guides appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Indications
- Persistent or unexplained infections
- Symptoms suggesting bacterial infection (e.g., fever, inflammation, discharge)
- Poor wound healing
- Suspected respiratory or bodily fluid infections
Preparation
- No special preparation is typically needed.
- Follow specific instructions from your healthcare provider regarding the sample collection site.
Procedure Description
- Sample Collection: A healthcare provider collects a sample from the suspected infection site using sterile tools.
- Culturing: The sample is sent to the lab, where it's placed on media that promote bacterial growth.
- Isolation: Any bacteria that grow are isolated for further analysis.
- Presumptive Identification: Initial tests are performed to identify the genus or species of the bacteria.
- Tools and Equipment Used: Sterile swabs, culture media, incubators.
- No anesthesia or sedation is required.
Duration
- Sample collection: A few minutes.
- Culture and preliminary identification: Typically 1-3 days.
Setting
Usually performed in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or specialized medical laboratories.
Personnel
- Nurses or medical technicians (sample collection)
- Microbiologists or lab technicians (culture and identification)
Risks and Complications
- Discomfort at the site of sample collection.
Rare risk of infection from the sample collection process.
Benefits
- Accurate identification of bacterial pathogens.
- Tailored antibiotic treatment.
- Rapid diagnosis allows for timely medical intervention.
Recovery
- Minimal recovery needed from sample collection.
- Follow any specific post-collection instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Alternatives
- Other culture types (e.g., urine, blood, stool).
Molecular testing or rapid antigen tests.
Pros and cons of alternatives:
- Pros: Faster results with some molecular tests.
- Cons: May not provide detailed bacterial identification or antibiotic susceptibility.
Patient Experience
- During: Mild discomfort or a brief sting at the sample collection site.
After: Little to no pain; results typically communicated within a few days.
Pain management typically unnecessary, but follow post-sample care instructions for comfort.