Acid Fast Stain [4503]

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test performed as part of Acid Fast Culture (4554)

Test Code

AFBST

Alias/See Also

4503;
Acid Fast Bacilii (AFB) Smear;
AFB Smear;
Mycobacterium Smear;

CPT Codes
87206

Preferred Specimen

Acid Fast Stain (any source). Specimen submitted in sterile, leakproof container.

Instructions

Sputum: First morning deep cough specimen. Submit on 3 consecutive days (not pooled).
Urine: First morning voided specimen. Do not use preservative-containing transport system. Submit specimens on 3 consecutive days (not pooled).
Other specimens: submit in tightly sealed screw-capped containers. Specify source on requisition.
Analysis to be performed:
1. Fluorochrome staining for acid fast bacilli.
2. Confirmatory Ziehl-Neelson acid fast stain will be performed when necessary.

Transport Container

Sterile Container

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature = 5 days
Refrigerated = 5 days
Frozen = unacceptable

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

Frozen specimen

Methodology
Fluorochrome Stain (AURAMINE/RHODAMINE)

Setup Schedule

All
MYC

Report Available

1 day

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.

Performing Laboratory
Compunet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439

Last Updated: December 7, 2021

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.