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HelpTest Code MGS Gram Smear
Additional Codes
| Epic Ordering Code | LAB250 |
|---|---|
| NBS code | LBC00460 |
| Service code | 23207 |
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one of the following
| Preferred: | |
| White sterile container | Eswab |
Specimen Type: Tissues, biopsies
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: As much as possible
Minimum Volume: 1.0 g
Specimen Type: Body fluids, aspirates
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: 5.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL
Specimen Type: Swab (varied sources)
Container/Tube: eSwab, M40 transystem Amies agar transport media (for non-NUH patients)
Volume: Entire swab
Collection Instructions: Do not share with other tests. Collect another swab specimen for culture if required.
Please refer to eSwab Training Slides.
Specimen Type: Corneal scrape
Container/Tube: Clean glass slide (free from oil, dust) & slide holder
Volume: 1 slide
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect scrape and smear in a small circle on slide (1.0 cm diameter).
2. Label which side the specimen is on.
3. Place slide in slide holder, label, and send to lab
4. Do not smear across the entire slide. This will reduce the chance of picking up the organism.
5. Do not stick 2 slides with scotch tape together (with sample in between). This will create unnecessary safety hazard for staff handling slides.
Specimen Stability and Condition
| Specimen Type | All types |
|---|---|
| Ambient | Submit to laboratory as soon as possible |
| Refrigerate | Do not refrigerate specimen |
| Frozen | Do not freeze specimen |
| Special instructions |
Gram smears will not be done for urine, blood, catheter tips, stool, skin scrapings, nasal swabs, and throat swabs.
Gram smear is done for CSF bacterial culture (MCA) and Respiratory cultures other than throat/nasal swabs (MRA/MRACF).
There is no need to order a separate smear for MCA. |
Methodology
Microscopy
Days and Times Performed
Monday through Sunday, TAT 1 day
Reference Interval
No organism seen.
Testing Laboratory
National University Hospital
Clinical Microbiology, 67724343
Useful For
Detection of the presense of bacteria in specimens. For sterile sites, this may be useful for presumptive diagnosis of bacterial infection. Detection in non-sterile samples may reflect colonization instead of true infection.
Update
Last updated 8/9/2026
LOINC Code Information
664-3