| Method |
Culture |
| CPT Code |
87015; 87116; 87206 |
| Preferred Specimen |
Sputum |
| Other Acceptable Specimens |
- Respiratory Aspirate
- Bronchial Lavage Fluid
- Body Fluids
- CSF
- Tissue
|
| Required Specimen Volume |
5 ml sputum, aspirate or 50 ml body fluid |
| Minimum Specimen Volume |
> 2 ml sputum, aspirates, or CSF; or > 20 ml body fluid |
| Specimen Container |
Sterile container with screw-cap, placed in metal canister. |
| Specimen Identification |
- First morning sputum is recommended
- Indicate specimen source on requisition.
- Include clinical diagnosis or relevant patient history on requisition (prior positive AFB patient)
|
| Shipping Requirements |
Store and ship at refrigerated temperature 2-8°C. Transport to lab as soon as possible. |
| Sample Rejection Criteria |
- Inappropriate specimen transport
- Inadequate sputum sample
- Mislabeled/Unlabeled sample
- Sample > 72 hours old
|
| Turn-around-time |
- 14-21 Days Positive Culture
- 6-8 Weeks Negative Culture
- Up to 28 Days for Susceptibility Testing
|