Mycobacteria, Culture, Identification, and Susceptibility, Blood

Test Code

8518

Alias/See Also

CBLA2
Blood Culture for AFB
LAB3030283

CPT Codes
87116

Includes

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).

Preferred Specimen

5 mL whole blood collected in Myco F/Lytic blood bottle
Upstate Community Campus Laboratory Changes

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Any specimen other than BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic bottle • Expired BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic bottle

Methodology
Continuous Monitoring Blood Culture System

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 6-8 weeks

Clinical Significance

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.

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.