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Culture, Mycobacteria (AFB)
MessagePerformed in the Microbiology Laboratory X65785 Collect 3 sputum specimens in patients with clinical and chest x-ray findings compatible with Tuberculosis. The three samples should be collected at 8-24 hour intervals (24 hours preferred) and should include at least one first morning specimen. Purulent specimens preferred. Deliver to the lab promptly in a sealed leak-proof container; specimens that cannot be processed within one hour of the time of collection should be refrigerated during transport to the lab. All specimens processed in one batch/day, 7 days/week. Includes an AFB stain (fluorescent) on each specimen
Test Code
CXAFB
Alias/See Also
AFB Culture; Culture, Mycobacteria
CPT Codes
87116 (AFB culture); and if required 87015 9concentration) and 87206 (AFB Fluorescent Stain)
Includes
Includes an AFB stain (fluorescent) (CPT 87206) on each specimen (excluding urine and CSF).
Concentration charge (CPT 87015) applied to specimens which need to be decontaminated (eliminate normal flora, eg. Respiratory samples).
Concentration charge (CPT 87015) applied to specimens which need to be decontaminated (eliminate normal flora, eg. Respiratory samples).
Preferred Specimen
Sputum and brochial specimens (5mL Preferred)
Blood : ISOLATOR tubes are ideal.) call x65785 for Isolator Tubes
Bone Marrow: ISOLATOR tubes are ideal. (due to small voume pediatric tube is preferred) ( Syringe may be procesed but less ideal)
Sterile body fluids (minimum of 1 ml)
Tissue (specify site)
Urine (40 mL)
Skin biosy
Bone
Blood : ISOLATOR tubes are ideal.) call x65785 for Isolator Tubes
Bone Marrow: ISOLATOR tubes are ideal. (due to small voume pediatric tube is preferred) ( Syringe may be procesed but less ideal)
Sterile body fluids (minimum of 1 ml)
Tissue (specify site)
Urine (40 mL)
Skin biosy
Bone
Minimum Volume
Sputum >=5ml of purulent specimen preferred (Salivary specimens may be credited)
Bronchial specimens >= 5ml of specimen preferred.
Bronchial specimens >= 5ml of specimen preferred.
Other Acceptable Specimens
Bone, skin biopsy
Instructions
Sputum: Instruct the patient to cough deeply to produce a lower respiratory specimen. Collect at least one early AM specimen and two others in 8-24 hr intervals.
Urine: Collect approximately 40 mL of first morning voided urine specimen.
Tissue: Add enough nonbacteriostatic sterile saline to specimen cup to keep tissue moist. Describe tissue site fully.
Blood: Collect in Isolator tube: use appropriate aseptic technique on patient and top of tube. Draw a full tube. Invert the tube immediately after collection. (One tube only/draw.) Contact Lab (5785) for Isolator tube or schedule draw with phlebotomy.
Urine: Collect approximately 40 mL of first morning voided urine specimen.
Tissue: Add enough nonbacteriostatic sterile saline to specimen cup to keep tissue moist. Describe tissue site fully.
Blood: Collect in Isolator tube: use appropriate aseptic technique on patient and top of tube. Draw a full tube. Invert the tube immediately after collection. (One tube only/draw.) Contact Lab (5785) for Isolator tube or schedule draw with phlebotomy.
Transport Container
Sterile, screw cap cup.
Isolator tube for Blood specimens: Adults: Isolator 10 Microbial Tube, Pediatrics: Isolator 1.5 Microbial Tube
Bone Marrow : Isolator tube (due to small voume pediatric tube is preferred)
Isolator tube for Blood specimens: Adults: Isolator 10 Microbial Tube, Pediatrics: Isolator 1.5 Microbial Tube
Bone Marrow : Isolator tube (due to small voume pediatric tube is preferred)
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Swabs are not acceptable.
Gastric specimens no longer accepted
Stool specimens no longer accepted without prior consultation with laboratory.
Gastric specimens no longer accepted
Stool specimens no longer accepted without prior consultation with laboratory.
Methodology
Culture
Setup Schedule
Test performed once/day, every day.
Limitations
Swabs are not suitable for Mycobacterial culture
Reference Range
No Growth
Clinical Significance
All Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates must be forwarded to Mass. Dept. of Public Health in accordance with M.G.L.c.111D.s.6
Performing Laboratory
Microbiology X65785 / X65786
