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Test Code MIC2 Acid Fast Culture, Tissue

Clinical Information

Detection and identification of Mycobacterium species and Nocardia species.

Synonym

  • BKR AFB TISS

Specimen Required

Preferred Container/Tube: Sterile Container
Acceptable Container/Tube: Sterile Container
Specimen Source: Sterile body fluid, urine (unpreserved), respiratory
Specimen Minimum Volume: Fluids 1 mL, Tissue 5 mm 

Specimen Collection Information

Transport refrigerated specimen to laboratory as soon as possible. Do not refrigerate bone marrow or CSF specimens.

Fresh tissue (5-10 mm) or body fluid (1-1.5ml) should be collected. ESwabs are not accepted. A separate tissue or body fluid specimen must be submitted for mycobacterial culture, as it requires distinct handling and processing protocols.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) yields limited material and may not meet the minimum tissue volume (5–10 mm) required for optimal culture sensitivity. Core needle biopsy is preferred for microbiologic evaluation of deep tissue infections.

Bone samples frequently arrive as small fragments. While acceptable, larger tissue pieces (≥5 mm) enhance sensitivity and improve pathogen recovery.

Specimen Stability Information

Ambient: 24 hours (bone marrow, CSF only)
Refrigerated: 24 hours

Rejected Due To

  • eSwab submitted 
  • Separate specimen collection not submitted (if ordering additional cultures) 
  • 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

No acid fast bacillus seen.

Interpretation

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

Method Description

Culture

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab University East

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Smear: 1 day
Culture: 43 days

Reporting Name

AFB Tissue Culture

CPT Code Information

87116
87206

LOINC Code Information

6463-4