Test Code LAB235 GONORRHOEAE CULTURE
Additional Codes
CPT Code: 87081
Methodology
Applies to rectal or throat cultures for GC.
Antibiotic susceptibility testing is not performed on GC, but susceptibility to penicillin is checked via beta-lactamase testing.
Performing Laboratory
Peninsula Regional Medical Center - Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.
1. Collect specimen using a culture transport swab.
2. Return swab to culture transport tube.
(Improperly labeled specimen, dry swab, refrigerated specimen, or specimen received >4 hours of collection is not acceptable.)
3. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, type of specimen, and collector’s initials.
4. Forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note: Specimen source is required.
Reference Values
No Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated
Critical value (automatic call-back): positive (inpatient)