Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Culture and Smear, Non-Blood
| Abbrev Code: | AFBC | ||
| Order Code: | LAB877 | Order Name: | AFB Culture Non Blood |
| Synonyms: | AFB Culture and Smear; Mycobacterium Culture; TB Smear; STAT AFB; AFBC; AFBSTS | ||
| Methodology: | Standard reference procedures for stain and culture. | ||
| CPT Codes: | 87116 x1, 87206 x1 | ||
| Test Includes: | Smear and culture for acid fast bacilli. Identification of AFB is ordered and billed separately. DNA probes are available for M. tuberculosis complex and M. avium-intracellular complex as indicated. DNA sequencing and other molecular techniques are used for identification of other mycobacteria species. | ||
| Turnaround Time: | Specimens are sent to the reference laboratory Mon-Sun; routine smears are reported within 24 hours of receipt at reference lab; contact the IDDL if needed stat. Positive cultures are reported when detected, negative cultures in 8 weeks. | ||
| Special Instructions: | A subsequent culture should be performed on specimens with a negative smear result. Indicate if Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) are suspected. Provide patient's PPD status, BCG immunization history and prior antituberculosis therapy. | ||
| Associated Links: | |||
Collection Instructions
| Specimen: | Body fluids, CSF, gastric aspirate, respiratory, sputum, tissue, urine, and bronchial brushes. ESwabs will be accepted for AFB testing ONLY from surgically collected specimens and performed with a disclaimer of decreased recovery. Dry swabs are not acceptable for AFB. |
| Optimal Volume: |
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| Minimum\Peds Volume: | If less than optimal volume is received, see "Causes for Rejection" and "Specimen Processing" sections below. |
| Container: | 50 mL conical tube, sterile Alternate Containers: Plastic leakproof container, sterile for INPATIENT COLLECTION ONLY |
| Collection Instructions: | |
| Causes for Rejection: | ESwabs are not acceptable for AFB testing and will be rejected unless surgically collected.
Swabs or dry material collected and transported on a swab. Acid Fast Stain will not be performed on: Stool, blood, bone marrow, grossly bloody specimens, CSF if less than 5 mL, or urine specimens if less than 40 mL, however these samples will be cultured. Body Fluids: <1 mL Respiratory Specimens: < 1 mL Urine: <10 mL |
Processing and Shipping
| Specimen Processing: | Place each specimen into a 50 mL sterile specimen transport tube and place in an individually sealed bag. Store in refrigerator. Gastric lavage specimens must be neutralized to a pH of 7 with sodium carbonate if transport is delayed for more than four hours.
Volumes below optimal should be sent directly to IDDL for processing, if IDDL in-house testing is also requested (with the Complex Processing Worksheet). At minimum, IDDL needs an additional 2 mL for all in-house testing requested. If volume below is optimal, and only AFB is ordered, this can be routed to Sendouts to go to ARUP without coming to IDDL. *Sputum and Tissue: Do not manipulate. Send to IDDL directly. |
| Shipping Instructions: | Ship at refrigerated temperature. |
| Stability: | Non-respiratory specimens: 24 hours at room temperature; 1 week refrigerated; 1 week frozen.
Respiratory specimens: unacceptable at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated; 2 weeks frozen. |
| Test Performed at or Referral Lab | Lab Sendouts (ARUP) |
| Referral Lab number: | 60152 |
Interpretive
| Critical Range: | Positive/Growth |
| Reference Range: | Negative/No growth |
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