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Test Code LAB266 ACID FAST BACILLI SMEAR

Important Note

Smears will not be performed on blood or bone marrow specimens.  For AFB smears on blood, order the MAYO laboratory test SAFB.

Additional Codes

Internal: 10637

External: AFBSMEAR

Beaker: LAB266

PERFORMED AT

SBH LABORATORY

Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Sterile container
Specimen Type: Sputum, broch wash, urine or other specimens
Preferred Volume: 6-10 mL fluid
Specimen Processing: Store and transport fluid at refrigerated temperature to lab ASAP
Required Patient Info: Specimen source
Unacceptable Condition: Specimens collected in formalin
Alternate Specimens: Air dried slides
Limitations: Swabs are not recommended for recovery of Mycobacteria

Method

Auramine Stain

Synonyms

TB Smear; Mycobacteria Stain; AFB Smear; Acid Fast Bacillus Smear

CPT Codes

87206

Department

Microbiology

Test Schedule

Daily

Test Includes

Smear, AFB

Turnaround Time

24-48 hours

Preliminary smear results will be available 24 hours after specimen receipt in lab.

Remarks

AFB smear is included with AFB culture and should not be ordered separately.