Alert

Culture, Sputum

Order CF Sputum/CF Sinus Culture when appropriate
Acceptable specimens include Screen for Fungus. If dimorphic fungi suspected, order fungal pathogen screen separately.
See Specimen Acceptibility Criteria

Test ID LAB5800
EPIC Order Lower Respiratory Culture
CPT Code 87070
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Clinical Microbiology; 984-974-1805
Tube Station 82
Specimen Routine: Deliver in Suitable Sterile Container
Gram stain Yes 
Availability Routine: 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week
STAT: Yes (smear)
Turnaround Time 7 days
Comments
  • Deliver within 2 hrs of collection
  • For cultures on patients with Cystic Fibrosis or Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) see CF Sputum Culture

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 04, 2025

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