Mycobacteria, Culture, Identification, and Susceptibility, Blood

This test does not include a primary smear.

If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge for each organism: CPT code(s) 87118: Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight or CPT code(s) 87153: AFB Sequencing

If TB is isolated for the first time or after three months after the first isolate from a patient, susceptibilities will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87190 per drug).

If other Mycobacteria species are isolated, appropriate susceptibilities can be performed at an additional charge if requested (CPT code(s): 87186 per organism).

Since the mid-1980s and expanding size of the immunocompromised patient population, the incidence of septicemia caused by opportunistic pathogens such as yeast, fungi and mycobacteria has risen. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex and mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT), especially Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), have become resurgent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended that every effort must be made for laboratories to use the most rapid methods available for diagnostic mycobacteria testing. These recommendations include the use of a liquid medium for mycobacterial culture. The BD BACTEC™ fluorescent series instruments are designed for the rapid detection of microorganisms in clinical specimens.