Culture sputum/lower respiratory Cost Comparison

87070 (CPT)

Cash prices (without insurance) for Culture sputum/lower respiratory (CPT 87070) range from $52 to $52 across 2 hospitals in 2 states. The national average cash price is $37.

A sputum culture is a test where you cough up a sample of mucus or phlegm from your lungs, which is then sent to a lab to check for bacteria or other germs that might be causing a respiratory infection. Your doctor might order this test if you have symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, or chest discomfort to help identify what's causing your infection and determine the best treatment. The procedure itself is simple—you'll be asked to cough deeply and spit the sample into a sterile container, and there is typically no discomfort involved.