AFB CULTURE & STAIN

Test Code

LAB3019

Alias/See Also

AFB CULTURE
ACID-FAST BACILLI CULTURE/SMEAR

CPT Codes
87116, 87206

Preferred Specimen

Collect in sterile container. Early morning specimen preferred

Minimum Volume

5 mL

Instructions

The specimen should be submitted to the lab as soon as possible after collection, preferably in less than 1 hour. All specimen requests for acid-fast (AFB) culture automatically receive an acid-fast smear. If mycobacteria are isolated, isolates will be referred to the Maryland State Health Department for definitive identification. Sputum, expectorated or induced, is the principal specimen obtained for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. FOR OPTIMAL ISOLATION OF THE ORGANISM FROM SPUTUM IN PATIENTS SUSPECTED OF HAVING PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THREE SAMPLES SHOULD BE COLLECTED AT 8-24 HOUR INTERVALS (24 HOURS WHEN POSSIBLE) AND SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE FIRST MORNING SPECIMEN.

Transport Container

sterile container
sterile cup
sterile swab

Setup Schedule

Set Up:Daily Report Available:6 weeks

Report Available

Final report in 6 weeks

Reference Range

No growth of acid-fast bacilli after 6 weeks incubation

Performing Laboratory
GBMC Microbiology

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.