Gram stain

TEST DESCRIPTION

Four-step staining procedure that allows the visualization and differentiation of bacteria based on:

• Cell wall structure (e.g., Gram-negative or -positive)
• Morphology (e.g., cocci, rods, coccobacilli, pleomorphic)

Methodology

Differential stain and microscopy

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within 1 business day.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• A bacterial isolate submitted on solid media (preferably slant culture)
• Patient specimens submitted for bacterial culture will be eligible and reflexed for testing once a bacterium has been isolated from the specimen

SPECIMEN STORAGE & TRANSPORT

For bacterial isolates submitted on solid media, store and transport at room to refrigerated temperature (2–30°C/36–86°F). Conditions may be organism-dependent.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Bacterial isolates that are non-viable
• Bacterial isolates that arrive in culture containers that are damaged during transit or are not properly labeled with patient identifiers

CODES

CPT: 87205

LOINC: 664-3

Test code: 2035

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.