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Test Code GS Gram Stain

Additional Codes

LAB250

Methodology

Used to indicate possible infection by appropriate staining procedure.

Smear for Monilia may be Gram stained. Gram stains are not performed on blood, nose, throat, stool, and urine. Order WBC in stool. Gram stains are available but not done routinely on the following cultures: ear, eye, fluid received on Culturette, urethra, abscess, axilla, groin, gallbladder, or penis.

Performing Laboratory

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center-Microbiology

Specimen Requirements

1. Place specimen on clean, glass slides.
2. Allow slides to air dry. Do not add fixative.
3. Place slides in cardboard holder.
4. Label container with patient's name (first and last), hospital identification number or date of birth, date and time of collection, and source of specimen.

5. Swabs may also be submitted for gram stain.

6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

7. Causes for rejection:

A. Inadequately labeled specimen

B. Insufficient slide that has been sprayed with cytology fixative
Note: Specimen source is required.

Reference Values

Absence of bacteria or presence of bacteria suggestive of normal resident flora

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Available STAT