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Test Code
UR
Test Name
Urine Culture
CPT Codes
87086
Included Tests
  • Aerobic culture
  • Identification and susceptibility testing if applicable. Additional CPT codes may apply.
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Clinical Utility
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common causes of bacterial infection. However, urine is also easily contaminated with microbiota during collection. The significance of the organisms recovered in culture is dependent on the type and quantity of organism recovered. Results are reported semiquantitatively to guide interpretation of results.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen: Urine

Collection Container: Grey Top (Boric Acid)

Minimum Volume: 3-4 mL
Collection Instructions

Clean Catch Urine Collection:

Males

  1. Wipe head of penis in a single motion with first towelette. Repeat with second towelette. If not circumcised, hold foreskin back before cleansing.
  2. Urinate a small amount into toilet or bedpan.
  3. Place urine collection container under stream and continue to urinate.
  4. Finish voiding into toilet or bedpan.
  5. Transfer urine from collection container to preservative tubes using transfer “straw” (located in lid of container) until it reaches the “fill line” on tube.

Females

  1. Separate the labia.
  2. Wipe inner labial folds front to back in a single motion with first towelette. Wipe down through center of labial folds with second towelette keeping the labia separated.
  3. Urinate a small amount into toilet or bedpan.
  4. Place urine collection container under stream and continue to urinate.
  5. Finish voiding into toilet or bedpan.
  6. Transfer urine from collection container to preservative tube using transfer “straw” (located in lid of container) until it reaches “fill line” on tube.
Transport Instructions

 Transport to the laboratory at room temperature or refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

48 hours

Refrigerated

48 hours
Causes for Rejection

Grey Top tubes that are not filled to the minimum volume line will be rejected.
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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