Gram Stain
Test Mnemonic
MGMST
CPT Codes
- 87205 - QTY (1)
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | Slide (s), unstained | Sterile container | Slide must be labeled | ||
| One | Swab(s) | Sterile container | Ambient | One swab is needed for each test request, i.e., requests for culture and Gram stain require two swabs. | |
| Unspecified | Fluid, body | Sterile container | Ambient |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
1 day
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Stain |
Reference Range
Special Info
Same collection procedure as for culture of the specific site. Specimen must be collected to avoid contamination with skin, adjacent structures and non-sterile surfaces.Organism isolation and identification will be performed only if culture is requested.
Clinical Info
Rule out infection. Determine presence of bacteria, yeast, neutrophils and epithelial cells.