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HelpTest Code AFBC Culture, Acid Fast for Mycobacterium (with Smear)
Infectious
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Varies; a detailed description of the anatomic source is required
* Sputum samples: it is recommended that three samples be collected at 8-24 hour intervals (24 hours is best) and should include at least one first morning specimen.
* Urine samples: a first morning specimen must be processed without delay. 24 hour collections are not acceptable.
Container / Tube:
* Sterile Container (body fluids, respiratory, tissue, urine)
* BLUE Amies Culturette swab (wound)
* YELLOW top SPS Isolator Microbial Tube (bone marrow - available from the lab)
CPT Codes
87015: Mycobacterial Culture, Concentration
87206: Mycobacterial Smear
87016: Mycobacterial Culture
Special Instructions
For optimal recovery, fresh tissue or body fluid is preferred. If unable to attain ample specimen in a sterile container, a blue Culturette swab may be used.
If the specimen container is a Culturette swab and multiple tests are requested, collect a second swab to maximize test sensitivity.
If the specimen cannot be delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour it should be refrigerated to decrease overgrowth with contaminating organisms.
Testing Schedule
Days Performed: Monday through Sunday
Times Performed:
* Smears: Day Shift only (0600 - 1430)
* Cultures: Broth is read continuously via instrumentation & culture slants are read once per week
Turn-around Time:
* Smears: Resulted within 24 hours
* Cultures: Positive cultures are reported as soon as an organism is detected; negative cultures will be final at 6 weeks (preliminary reports are autofiled at 7 days then weekly thereafter)