CULTURE, AFB BLOOD

Message

Note: If Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) is identified, sample will automatically be sent to appropriate state Department of Health for sensitivity. For any other species of Mycobacterium, sensitivity can be performed upon request.

Test Code

AFBB

Alias/See Also

AFB Culture
Acid Fast Culture

CPT Codes
87116

Includes

Culture, smear, and organism ID. Sensitivity performed on M. Tuberculosis only

Preferred Specimen

BACTEC Mycolytic bottle

Patient Preparation
Collect the specimen using aseptic technique:

Cleanse the skin with 70% alcohol - allow to air dry
Cleanse the skin with a tincture of iodine - allow to air dry
Draw sample

Transport Container

Mycolytic Bottle

Transport Temperature

Do not refrigerate

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature up to 24 hours

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

Any other sample type will be rejected.
Heparin is no longer an acceptable collection tube

Methodology
Routine culture

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Final report available in 6 weeks

Reference Range

No growth

Clinical Significance

Identify the presence of Mycobacterium species - one of which is the causitive agent for tuberculosis.

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab

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.