Miscellaneous GC Screen
Test Mnemonic
MISCGC
CPT Codes
- 87081 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
11475-1
Aliases
- GC Culture
- Misc GC Screen
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae Culture
Performing Laboratory
n/a
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | Throat | Swab | Ambient | In a sterile container. Order must specify screen for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Specimen must not be refrigerated. If the specimen is directly inoculated on Martin Lewis medium, it should be transported to the Laboratory in a CO2 biobag. | |
| Unspecified | Genital | See note | Ambient | 0.5 mL or 1 swab of body fluid, discharge, pus, genital tract, etc. sent in sterile container or sterile culturette. |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 2 hours |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
4 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Culture |
Reference Range
Special Info
Molecular assays are the most sensitive method for diagnosis of N. gonorrhoeae infection. Culture is recommended if the relevant specimen type is not validated for a molecular assay or if susceptibility testing is desired. If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge. Identification CPT codes that may apply include: 87077, 87153. Antimicrobial susceptibilities are performed when requested, and CPT code 87185 would apply.
Clinical Info
Because of the labile nature of the organism, a negative culture does not rule out N. gonorrhoeae infection. Specimens are screened for N. gonorrhoeae only. Overgrowth by normal microbiota may make it impossible to rule out N. gonorrhoeae. False negative results may occur with delayed transport.