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Test Code LAB2513 AFB CULTURE & SMEAR

Important Note

Please specify specimen and collection site with order.

Samples must be received within 48 hours of collection.
Cultures with organisms growing are maintained in the laboratory for 90 days after finalization.

When organisms are detected on culture, a preliminary result is available via the computer and the clinician is called with a verbal report.

STAT AFB smear requests on Respiratory samples will be performed within 24 hours from the time of specimen receipt.

STAT AFB smear requests on Non-Respiratory samples will require pathology approval.

This test is subject to reflex testing, see Laboratory Reflex Testing Policy, you have the option to decline reflex testing if you believe it is not medically necessary. For first time positive AFB smear a M. tuberculosis PCR will be performed (culture will be performed regardless of AFB smear result).  If the Ask at Order question is answered as "Yes" to rule out tuberculosis on sputum samples, the reflex testing will be performed.  

Additional Codes

Orderable Codes:

Epic Code Atlas Code Mayo Access ID Order LOINC
LAB2513 TCS FAH5913 543-9

Result Component(s):

Reporting Name Epic Code Atlas Code Mayo Access ID Result LOINC
Organism ID 1230100018 CULT FAH4896 41852-5
AFB Smear  12301009270 AF FAH5070 48767-8
Is this test to rule out Mycobacterium tuberculosis? 111665 TBQ FAH6170 N/A

 

Specimen Information

Container Specimen Temperature Collect Vol Submit Vol Min Vol
Sterile Container *Sputum Refrigerate 5 mL 5 mL 3 mL
Sterile Container Aspirated Pus Refrigerate 2-3 mL 2-3 mL 1 mL
Sterile Container Respiratory Biopsy Refrigerate 2 mm 2 mm N/A
Sterile Container Tissue Refrigerate 2 mm 2 mm N/A
Sterile Container Fluid Refrigerate 15 mL 15 mL 2 mL
Sterile Container CSF Refrigerate 10 mL 10 mL 2 mL
Sterile Container **Respiratory Fluids Refrigerate 5 mL 5 mL 3 mL

Samples must be received within 48 hours of collection and must be sealed in a leak proof container.

*Sputum (3 first morning specimens on different days is recommended, however 3 specimens collected 8 hours part is acceptable as long as one specimen was collected as a first morning specimen, aspirates, biopsies from respiratory tract, lung tissues.

**Respiratory Fluids:  BAL, Bronch wash

Test Schedule / Analytical Time / Test Priority

Monday – Friday / Reported when positive. Negative final at 56 days / Not available STAT

Method

Culture & Smear

CPT Code(s)

Description CPT Code
AFB Culture 87116
AFB Smear 87206
Concentration for Infectious Agents 87015

Testing includes culture, identification, (additional charges/CPT codes may apply) and if culture results warrant, susceptibility testing (at an additional charge) of all indicated organisms.

Instrumentation

Biomerieux BacT/ALERT

Reference Range

Negative: No acid -fast bacilli isolated, final at 8 weeks
 

Section

Microbiology-2

Performing Location

University of Vermont Medical Center

Is the UVMMC lab NY State Certified to perform this testing?  Yes/No

Yes