Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory Culture
Test Code
CXCF
For patients with cystic fibrosis only
Description
Cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory culture is used to isolate organisms that are associated with CF pulmonary disease so that appropriate interventions can be taken. The number of microbial species that are associated with CF lung disease are relatively limited and may differ than those in a respiratory culture. This culture is designed to utilize additional selective media to isolate bacteria commonly associated with pulmonary disease and is intended for patients that have been diagnosed with CF. This test includes a Gram stain and culture. For patients without CF, please refer to the Respiratory culture (CXRES).
Collect
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Sputum: Collect in a sterile container from a deep cough while trying not to expectorate saliva or postnasal discharge. First morning expectorant is the highest quality of sample.
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Induced sputum: Patient inhales sterile saline and expels into a sterile container.
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Bronchial wash: Inject sterile saline into the major bronchi using a bronchoscope, then suction the saline into a sterile container.
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Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): Collected from the distal bronchioles and alveoli in the same manner as the bronchial washing.
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Oropharyngeal Swab: Only use if patient is unable to produce sputum (mainly pediatric patients). Place flocked swab in the back of throat and induce coughing. Remove swab when secretions have been obtained.
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All specimen sources need to be collected in a sterile container.
Preferred volume: 3 mL
Minimum Volume: 1 mL
Patient Prep
Avoid antibiotic administration prior to sample collection. For sputum, have the patient brush their teeth with no toothpaste, swish water, and spit to reduce normal oral flora from contaminating sputum.
Unacceptable Conditions
- Specimens received outside of temperature storage requirements
- Specimens received outside of stability time frame
- Specimens that do not meet the minimum volume requirement
- Specimens in non-sterile containers
- Specimens that are not an acceptable source for this testing
- Specimens that are excessively leaking
- Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Stability
- For optimal recovery of potential pathogens, specimens should arrive within 2 hours at room temperature (20-25°C)
- If transportation is delayed, specimens must be refrigerated (2-8°C) for a maximum of 24 hours.
Performed
7 days a week from 8am to 6pm
Methodology
Aerobic bacterial culture for cystic fibrosis pathogens
Turnaround Time
4 days
Department
Microbiology Lab
Synonyms
Bacterial culture for cystic fibrosis, lower respiratory culture for cystic fibrosis
Study Offerings
CAP/CLIA
Related Tests
CXRES
Reference Interval
No respiratory pathogens isolated
Interpretation
The table below describes reportable organisms and if antimicrobial suscecdptibility testing (AST) is routinely included. If susceptibilities are needed for an organism that AST is not routinely included, please submit the request through EPIC using the OP Add-On/Comm Message type addressed to NJH LAB ADD-ON POOL.
|
Threshold for Pathogenicity |
Organism |
Reporting |
|
Any |
Actinomycetes |
ID and AST |
|
Beta hemolytic Streptococcus group A, B, C, G, and F |
ID |
|
|
Gram negative bacilli |
ID and AST |
|
|
Haemophilus influenzae |
ID; β-lactamase |
|
|
Mold |
ID |
|
|
Mycobacterium spp. |
ID and AST |
|
|
Nocardia spp. |
ID and AST |
|
|
Staphylococcus aureus |
ID and AST |
|
|
Streptococcus pneumoniae |
ID and AST |
CPT Code
87205, 87071
New York Approved
Standard
FDA
Standard Method