CPT 4 Code:  87206

Test Order Mnemonic: C AST

Lab: Mycobacteriology

Request Form: Microbiology

Storage Instructions: Refrigerate; transport as soon as possible

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at the Microbiology Processing Laboratory, Room 5.137 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: Direct Smear: 3 hours if priority is STAT

Special Instructions: Direct AFB smears are available Monday-Sunday, 8 AM-3 PM for patients in the Emergency Department or clinics.  Smears are routinely performed as part of an AFB culture for most specimens. If the direct smear is needed on a STAT priority, mark the requisition as STAT and notify the Mycobacteriology Laboratory (772-3310)

Specimen: Sputum

Volume: 1 mL

Container: Sterile container

Critical Values: Positive AFB smear