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Test Code MIC1 Acid Fast Culture

Clinical Information

Detection and identification of Mycobacterium species and Nocardia species.

Synonym

  • AFBCX

Specimen Required

Preferred Container/Tube: Sterile Container
Acceptable Container/Tube: Sterile Container
Specimen Source: Sterile body fluid, urine, respiratory
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

 

Preferred Container/Tube: eSwab
Acceptable Container/Tube: eSwab
Specimen Source: Wound, lesion, genital
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

 

Special instructions: Transport specimen to laboratory as soon as possible. If only AFB culture ordered, refrigerate specimen (do not refrigerate bone marrow specimens).

Specimen Stability Information

Ambient: 24 hours

Rejected Due To

  • Use of urine preservative
  • Sputum >72 hours old

Testing Algorithm

When this test is ordered, the reflex test may be performed at an additional charge. All acid fast bacilli submitted will be identified and billed as appropriate.

Reflex Test

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

Reference Values

Smear: No acid fast bacillus seen
Culture: No Growth

Interpretation

Organisms growing in pure culture are identified to the species level whenever possible.

Cautions

For sputum, collect 3 specimens on 3 consecutive days.

Method Description

Smear
Culture
Susceptibility (if appropriate)

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab University East

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Smear: 1 day
Culture: 43 days

Reporting Name

AFB Culture

CPT Code Information

87116
87015
87206 (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

6463-4