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Test Code LAB877 ACID FAST BACILLI CULTURE

Important Note

For AFB culture on Blood specimen, please order Mayo test code CTBBL.

For AFB culture on Stool specimen, please order Mayo test code CTB.

AFB smear estimated detection levels for sputum are 5,000-10,000 bacilli per mL of sputum. Culture detection starts at 10-100 viable mycobacteria.

Infectious

Additional Codes

Internal: 10611
External: AFBCULT
Beaker: LAB877

PERFORMED AT

SBH LABORATORY

Reference lab will perform identification if culture positive.

Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Sterile Container
Specimen Type: See below.
Preferred Volume: See below.
Emergency Minimum Volume: For CSF at least 2 mL; for Gastric lavage 5mL. Other fluids optimum 10-15 mLs.
Patient Prep For Sputum: Early am specimen from deep-cough. Not saliva.
Collection Procedure: Sputum: 6-10 mL early morning collection. Urine: Entire first morning void. Place sample in tightly sealed sterile container without fixative.
Specimen Processing: Store and transport sputum, urine, body fluids, aspirates and tissues refrigerated.
Required Patient Info: Specimen source.
Unacceptable Condition: 24-hour urine, urines from catheter bags or 24-hour sputum specimens, saliva and pooled sputum, tissue samples in formalin, frozen stools

Synonyms

AFB Culture, Acid Fast Culture, Mycobacterial Culture, Mycobacteria, Atypical Mycobacteria

CPT Codes

87116, 87206, 87015 if needed

Department

Microbiology

Test Schedule

Cultures set up Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

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

Test Includes

AFB Smear;Culture

Remarks

For maximum diagnostic value submit early AM sputum specimens on three consecutive days. Specimens received on swabs are not optimal for recovery of Mycobacteria.  Recommended specimens are tissues, biopsies, body fluids, etc.

Turnaround Time

6 weeks minimum