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

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

Preferred Specimen

BACTEC Mycolytic bottle

Other Acceptable Specimens

or SPS Yellow Tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature up to 24 hours

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

Any other sample type will be rejected. If submitting bone marrow, see AFBBM
Heparin is no longer an acceptable collection tube

Methodology
Routine culture

Setup Schedule

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

Reference Range

No growth

Clinical Significance

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

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMIC (Microbiology)

Last Updated: April 25, 2023

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.