Laboratory Test Directory

Synonyms: AFB Culture, sterile site

CPT 4 Code: 87116

Test Order Mnemonic: C AFB

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

Applies To: Mycobacterium species

Lab: Mycobacteriology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: Aseptic technique

Storage Instructions: Refrigerate all specimens EXCEPT bone marrow and CSF. Bone marrow and CSF are stored at room temperature.

Causes for Rejection: Clotted specimens, swabs

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

Specimen: Bone marrow, bone marrow core, CSF, tissues, and body fluids

Minimum Volume: 0.5 ml, 3 ml minimum for CSF specimens

Container: Bone marrow aspirate: heparin-tube or Pedi-Isolator tube; Other sources: sterile container or test tube

Critical Values: Smear positive for acid fast bacilli, first occurrence; culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Test Method: Culture - agar and broth

Revised 6/22/2011 by T. Friloux