Acid Fast Smear

Test Code

TBSM

CPT Codes
87206

Preferred Specimen

Any source

Minimum Volume

5 mL

Instructions

Collect specimens in sterile collection container. Collect sputum specimens first morning expectorant. Volumes below minimum greatly increase false negative results. Only 1 specimen per day of collection will be accepted. Have patient rinse mouth and gargle with sterile water or saline prior to sputum collection. Collect specimen resulting from deep cough in a sterile container. If Legionella testing will be included in the tests requested do not use saline as it is inhibitory to Legionella organisms.

Transport Container

Sterile Container

Transport Temperature

RT 2 h then 2-8 C

Specimen Stability

2-8 C 24 h

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Improperly labelled; Improper storage/transport

Methodology
Microscopic examination; fluorochrome stain(auramine)

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

1 day

Reference Range

No Acid Fast Bacilli Seen

Clinical Significance

The smear result should be used as an adjunct in evaluating a patient's tuberculosis status, and cultural examination is highly recommended for laboratory diagnosis. Positive smears indicate the presence of acid fast organisms and possible communicability.

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.