UW Hospital and Clinics Lab Test Directory
| Test Name: |
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Culture, Ear
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| Test Code(s): |
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EARC / EARC, EARCS / HCEARCS
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| CPT Code(s): |
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87070; Additional CPT codes may be added for processing, identification, and susceptibility testing.
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| Test Description: |
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Test Component: Culture and Gram stain, if requested.
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| Methodology: |
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Culture, Microscopy
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| Clinical Significance: |
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Samples from the ear canal are appropriate for diagnosis of otitis externa. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus), gram-negative rods especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa (the agent of swimmer's ear), and Aspergillus species.
Ear canal swabs are not appropriate for diagnosis of otitis media for which fluid collected by tympanocentesis should be collected.
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| Days Performed: |
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Daily, 24 hours.
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| Turnaround Time: |
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Stat: Not available stat.
Routine: Preliminary report: 24 hours. Cultures with no growth or endogenous flora will be reported after 48 hours. Reports on specimens from which pathogens are isolated require a minimum of 48 hours for completion.
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Specimen Requirements
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| Collection Container: |
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Preferred: CultureSwab®
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| Specimen Transport: |
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Transport to UWHC Microbiology (B4/231).
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| Stability: |
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Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Not acceptable
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Interpretation
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Expected Results:
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Endogenous flora
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