Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Culture, Concentrated

Test Code
AFBC


CPT Codes
87116

Preferred Specimen
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:


Feces

1. 5 to 10 g of stool in a sterile container.

2. Label specimen appropriately.

.

Note: Specimen source is required.


Sputum

1. Early-morning sputum specimens are
recommended as follows:

A. Collect specimen in a sterile container.

B. Specimen should be a single, first-morning,
"deep cough" sputum specimen, and patient should
not have eaten prior to collection.

C. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth
well with water.

D. Have patient remove dentures.

E. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it
momentarily, and cough deeply and vigorously into container.
Close lid securely.

F. At least 5 to 10 mL of sputum is needed for
concentration.

2. Label specimen appropriately.

Note: Specimen source is required.


Urine

1. 35 to 50 mL of urine from a first-morning,
random urine collection in a sterile container. No
preservative.

2. Label specimen appropriately.

Note: Specimen source is required.


Bronchial washing/lavage

1.  3 - 5 ml of specimen

2.  Label specimen appropriately.  

Note: Specimen source is required.


Transport Temperature
Ambient


Methodology
N-acetyl-1-Cysteine Concentration Method or Sulfuric Acid Method

Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday


Reference Range

Normal


No acid-fast bacilli isolated


Critical value: growth of acid-fast bacilli



Performed By
North Mississippi Medical Center Pathology Department

Performing Laboratory
NMMC Pathology Department



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.