Acid Fast Bacillus (AFB) Culture & Smear

Acid Fast Bacillus (AFB) Culture & Smear Information
Data	Value
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