Laboratory Test Directory

ACID FAST CULTURE, non-sterile sites (088-0005)

Synonyms: AFB Culture, non-sterile sites; TB Culture, non-sterile sites

CPT 4 Code: 87116

Test Order Mnemonic: C ACON

Test Includes: Acid fast smear, isolation and identification of Mycobacterium species and antimicrobial susceptibility testing when appropriate

Applies To: Mycobacterium species

Lab: Mycobacteriology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: Collect specimens in a sterile, leak-proof container. For sputum collection, use the sputum collection kit. Collection complete first morning urine for AFB culture.

Storage Instructions: Refrigerate

Causes for Rejection: Sputum from patient not in "airborne precautions", more than three samples per week submitted on the same patient (respiratory sources only), feces on patients other than HIV+, leaking container, insufficient quantity, samples submitted on a swab, more than two feces per week.

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

Turnaround Time: Smears: 1 day; cultures are held 6 weeks

Special Instructions: Collect sputum specimens in sputum collection kits available through Materials Management.

Specimen: Sputum, respiratory sources, gastric aspirates, feces, autopsy sources, abscesses, skin lesions, urine samples

Minimum Volume: 3 mL

Container: Sterile container, sputum collection kit

Critical Values: Positive smear, first occurrence; Mycobacterium tuberculosis on culture

Revised 6/22/2011 by T. Friloux