ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0060024: Blood Culture, AFB & Fungal

Test Mnemonic: MC BLDAF
Methodology: Bactec® 9240, continuous monitoring systems.  Standard reference procedures for identification of positive cultures.

Performed: Sun-Sat

Reported: Within 42 days
Final: Negative at 42 days. Positive cultures are reported as soon as detected.

Specimen Required:  
Collect: One 10 mL yellow (SPS) (ARUP Supply #24964) or 5 mL whole blood or bone marrow in a Myco/F Lytic bottle.

Transport: Tube or  Myco/F Lytic bottle at 20-25°C.

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Pediatric Collection/Transport:

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Remarks: CRITICAL AMBIENT. Use Bactec® Myco/F Lytic bottle or collect SPS tube and transport at 20-25°C.

Unacceptable Conditions: Anticoagulants other than SPS.

Stability: Ambient: 3 days; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference Interval:
Culture negative for acid-fast bacilli (AFB).

Culture negative for fungus.

Note:
Identification and susceptibility tests are performed on positive cultures at an additional cost.  A single SPS or Myco/F Lytic bottle is collected for both AFB and fungal cultures.  If Histoplasma capsulatum is suspected, collect in an Isolator™ tube and order Histoplasma Blood Culture (0060145).

CPT Code(s):
87103 Fungal culture; 87116 AFB culture