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Test Code INPT71 Blood Culture, AFB, Mycobacteria

Clinical Information

Detection and identification of Mycobacterium spp. growing from  blood.

Synonym

  • AFBBCX
  • Acid fast blood culture

Specimen Required

Preferred Container/Tube: SPS tube
Acceptable Container/Tube: SPS tube
Specimen Source: Peripheral blood
Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Specimen Collection Information

Collection tube must be at least half full. Do not cover SPS tube label with patient label. 

Rejected Due To

  • Collection tube less than half full (excludes pediatric patients)
  • Patient label covering tube identification (SPS) label 

Testing Algorithm

When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed at an additional charge.

Reflex Test

Reporting Name Available Separately Always Reported
Smear No No
XPERT MTB-RIF No No
MALDI-TOF No No

Reference Values

Negative
A final negative report will be issued after 42 days of incubation.

Interpretation

A positive result may support the diagnosis of mycobacteremia.

Cautions

Blood cultures should be drawn before the initiation of antibiotics. Adequately clean the skin to avoid contamination. Blood volume is important. TWO Blood Culture sets from 2 different sites must be collected. NEVER refrigerate blood culture bottles. Send to lab within 2 hours of collection.

Method Description

Culture
Susceptibility (if appropriate)

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab University East

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

42 days

Reporting Name

AFB Blood Culture

CPT Code Information

87116
87015

LOINC Code Information

6463-4