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ACID FAST (AFB) CULTURE - STERILE SITES: (088-0004)
Clinical Indication:

Suspected Mycobacterial infections from normally sterile body sites, such as  bone marrow, bone marrow core, CSF, tissues and body fluids
Test Mnemonic:

 C AFB
Methodology:

 Acid fast smear (except for bone marrow), culture for the isolation and identification of Mycobacterium species, antimicrobial susceptibility testing when appropriate.
Performed:

 Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

 Cultures are held 6 weeks, smears are reported the same day as sample processed, positive cultures are reported as soon as growth appears
Specimen Requirements:

Collect:  Using aseptic technique collect samples

Specimen Preparation: Blood/Bone marrow aspirates should be inoculated into the Bactec Myco/F lytic (red cap) bottle at the bedside. Other samples are placed in a sterile container.

Storage/Transport: Room temperature, refrigerate all samples except CSF and Bactec bottles if there are delays in transport.

Stability: 48 hours

Causes for Rejection: Clotted specimens, swabs
Clinical Information:

There are volume requirements for CSF and fluids. If less than the required quantity is received, the requesting physician will determine test priorities.
Reference Range:

No acid-fast bacteria isolated
Note:

Test includes: Acid fast smear (except for blood and bone marrow), isolation, and identification of Mycobacterium species and antimicrobial susceptibility testing when appropriate.
CPT 4 Code:

 Culture: 87116, Smear: 87206
Review 2/27/2013 by Theresa Friloux

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

 

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