Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
No organisms seen Qualitative
Pediatric
No organisms seen Qualitative
Clinical Significance
Provides rapid, immediate preliminary classification of bacteria to guide empiric antibiotic therapy while awaiting formal cultures.
Causes of High
- Bacterial infection (e.g., Gram Positive Cocci in clusters = Staph; Gram Negative Rods = E.coli)
Causes of Low
- Normal finding
- Atypical bacteria (Mycoplasma, Legionella)