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HelpTest Code CXAFB Culture, AFB
Additional Codes
Epic EAP: LAB877
Epic Description: AFB CULTURE & SMEAR
Synonym
Acid Fast Culture
TB Culture
MAC Culture
Culture for Typical Acid Fast Bacilli
Culture for Atypical Acid Fast Bacilli
Collection Limitations
Gastric washings can only be collected between the hours of 5 A.M. and 9 P.M. and must be delivered to laboratory immediately.
Specimen Type
Varies
Specimen Required
Primary Source: Respiratory Sources
| Collection Container | Preferred Volume | Minimum Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred |
Sterile Vial |
10.0 mL | 2.0 mL |
Alternate Source: Blood or Bone Marrow
| Collection Container | Preferred Volume | Minimum Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred |
Myco/F Lytic BD Bottle |
5.0 mL | 1.0 mL |
Alternate Source: Body Fluid
| Collection Container | Preferred Volume | Minimum Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred |
Sterile Vial |
10.0 mL | 1.0 mL |
| Alternate | E-swab collection device | 10.0 mL | 1.0 mL |
Alternate Source: Urine
| Collection Container | Preferred Volume | Minimum Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred |
Sterile Container |
10.0 mL | 5 mL |
Alternate Source: CSF
| Collection Container | Preferred Volume | Minimum Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred |
Sterile Container |
1.0 mL | 0.5 mL |
Alternate Source: Tissue
| Collection Container | Preferred Volume | Minimum Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred |
Sterile Container |
Tissue with 1 mL of sterile saline | Tissue with 0.5 mL of sterile saline |
Instructions for Collection and Transport
Note: this test includes a smear (excluding blood and bone marrow).
Fresh tissue or body fluid is the preferred specimen type instead of a swab specimen. Recovery of mycobacteria is generally very low yield when swab specimens are submitted.
Transport all samples refrigerated on freeze packs or store refrigerated if holding overnight.
Performing Lab
Microbiology Lab
Assay Frequency
Monday – Friday
Routine Turnaround Time
Final Neg. at 8 wks. Smear reported day of processing. Positive’s ASAP.
CSR Storage Requirements
Deliver to laboratory. Refrigerate all specimens received between 10 P.M. and 7 A.M. Hold bottles at room temperature.
CPT Code Information
87116
87206 (if applicable)
87015 (if applicable)
Patient Preparation
If blood or bone marrow specimen is collected, sterile prep site with Chloraprep