Culture, Catheter Tip

Container Type

TEST ID LAB224
EPIC Order   Catheter Tip Culture
CPT Code
   87070
Laboratory   Clinical Microbiology
Tube Station   82
Specimen Routine: 2-3 inches of tip in Sterile Container; See Comments
Gram stain   No
Availability Routine: 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week
Turnaround Time   4 days if culture is negative
Reference Range  

< 15 colonies/plate = Negative

> 15 colonies/plate = Positive

Recovery of multiple isolates (3 or more) indicative of specimen contamination
     
Comments
  • Deliver within 2 hrs of collection
  • DO NOT add saline/water to container

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 04, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514