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Test Code
ACTI
Test Name
Actinomyces Culture
CPT Codes
87075, 87205
Included Tests
  • Dissecting Microscopic Examination
  • Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture for Actinomyces species
  • Identification if applicable. Additional CPT codes may apply.
Expected Turnaround Time
10 - 14 days
Clinical Utility

Anaerobic Actinomycetes are part of the normal flora of the human oral cavity, the gastrointestinal tract, and the female genital tract. These organisms can cause infections in the head and neck, the peritoneal cavity, and may occur in the female genital tract in association with intrauterine contraceptive devices.

When there is suspicion of infection caused by Actinomyces, specimens are plated under the appropriate conditions to optimize recovery of Actinomyces from well-collected specimens.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Collection Container

Endometrial Aspirate, Body Fluid, Exudate

Sterile Container or Red Top Tube, No Additive

Tissue

Sterile Container

Wound

Eswabs or Alternate Anaerobic Transport

Note: Swabs are not preferred when tissue or aspirate can be obtained.
Collection Instructions
  • Place tissue in sterile container covered with a small amount of sterile non-bacterial static saline.
  • Pus or body fluid collected by syringe placed directly into Red Top, No Additive after decontaminating the top with alcohol.
  • Do not put fluid collected by syringe into Eswab.
  • Avoid contamination with normal flora during collection from nonsterile sites.
Processing and Submission Instructions

Specimens submitted between 24 - 48 hours after collection are accepted but viability may be impacted, and a disclaimer will be added to the report.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory at room temperature.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours
Causes for Rejection
  • Specimens from respiratory sites or from sites with normal anaerobic flora (throat, rectal, vaginal mucosal, and superficial wounds) will not be accepted for culture.
  • IUD specimens are not accepted for culture.
Methodology
Culture with reflex to additional methods for identification and susceptibility if warranted
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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