Gram Stain
Test Code: 497
CPT Code(s): 87205
Clinical Significance: The gram stain is a rapid, preliminary test to assess the quality of specimens, identify bacterial infections, and to guide the initial antibacterial therapy.
Methodology: Microscopic Examination
Supply:
- #S12 E-swab, Routine, white cap
- #U01 C&S Gray Urine Tube w/Straw
- #U02 90mL Sterile Cup with Green Lid
Preferred Specimen(s): 3 mL or 2 grams body fluids, CSF, lower respiratory tract specimens, urine or fresh (unfixed) tissue collected in a sterile leak-proof container
1 mL or 1 swab wound, exudates, aspirates, lesion material or ocular specimens collected in a sterile leak-proof container, Amies liquid, Amies gel swab transport system, Stuarts, ESwab, or Port-A-Cul™.
Slides are also acceptable.
Alternative Specimen(s): 3 mL stool collected in a sterile, leak-proof container
Minimum Volume: 1 mL • 1 gram • 1 swab • 1 slide
Collection instructions: Specimen requirement: Primary specimen from any source in sterile leak-proof container or heat-fixed or methanol-fixed smear in a slide folder. Tissues or brushes in transport medium or in a small amount of sterile saline are acceptable. Stool will only be examined for campylobacter. If culture is requested second swab must be submitted.
Transport Container: Body fluids, CSF, lower respiratory secretions, urine, tissue
Sterile leak-proof container (preferred)
Wound, exudates, aspirates, lesion material, ocular specimens
Sterile leak-proof container, Amies liquid, gel swab transport system, Stuarts, ESwab, or Port-A-Cul™ (preferred), slide (acceptable)
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All specimens other than stool: Room temperature
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Stool: Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability:
CSF
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Stool
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Port-A-Cul™
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
All other specimen types
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
- Smears with cytology fixatives
- Broken slides
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the Payor being billed.