Aeromonas Culture
Label Mnemonic: AEROCX
Epic code: LAB8526
Order form: Microbiology/Molecular Infectious Disease Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 87045
Specimen(s):
Stool, FecalSwab
Collection Medium:
or
Sterile Container Fecal Copan Collection Transport Swab (Hospital Stores #105117)
Minimum:
FecalSwabs [Stores #105117] are preferred over raw stool for increased recovery of pathogens. Aeromonas culture will most often be performed as an adjunct to the Enteric Panel [LAB3433], which can be performed from the same FecalSwab specimen (and cannot be performed from raw stool).

1) Obtain a stool specimen in a clean pan or container. Stool specimens should not contain urine or water.
2) Holding FecalSwab shaft above the red breakpoint mark, insert the entire tip of the FecalSwab into the stool sample and rotate. Do not use FecalSwab as a spoon; rather, coat swab with a visible layer.
3) If visible stool is not coating the FecalSwab tip, reinsert until swab is coated.
4) Using swab and aiming tube away, mash and mix the stool sample against the side of the tube to suspend the sample.
5) Invert the tube several times to homogenize the sample and expose the sample to Cary Blair preservative fluid.
Rejection Criteria:
Stools submitted on patients admitted for >3 days will be rejected without prior preapproval (pager 4903 weekdays; pager 3404 evenings and weekends).
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
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.
Transport Instructions:
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
DO NOT FREEZE, protect specimen by wrapping in bubble-wrap or toweling.
Recommend early AM overnight shipping or equivalent if not on courier service.
CPT Code:
87045
 
See also:
Enteric Panel, FecalSwabs, Stool