Gram Stain
Specimen:
Fluids and Exudates
Collection Medium:
Sterile container
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Analytic Time:
2 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)
Comments:
Test is automatically included with selected culture requests, but may be requested as a single test without ordering a culture. Will not be done on blood cultures and requires laboratory approval if requested on urine.
Methodology:
Microscopic slide examination
Instructions:
Gram stain will be performed on specimen or slide submitted to lab.
Sample Processing:
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible.
Indicate specimen/fluid type on requisition.
Submit in sterile transport container.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Transport Instructions:
Coolant packs up to 8 hours.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
CPT Code:
87205