ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0060151: AFB Stain Only |
| Test Mnemonic: MS AFB | |
|
Methodology: Auramine O Stain
Performed: Sun-Sat Reported: Within 24 hours |
| Specimen Required: | |
|
Collect: 5-10 mL sputum or other respiratory specimens. Source of specimen is required.
Transport: Specimen in a sterile, leak-proof container at 2-8°C. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag. Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Pediatric Collection/Transport: Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Remarks: Studies have shown that an AFB stain without culture has a poor negative predictive value. An AFB culture request includes an AFB stain and has a much higher predictive value. Unacceptable Conditions: Nonrespiratory specimens or swabs from any sites. Stability: Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 2 weeks |
|
| Reference Interval: |
| Negative for acid-fast bacilli. |
| Note: | |
| An acid-fast stain (AFS), as a stand-alone test, without a culture, is appropriate only when following respiratory specimens on previously diagnosed patients. |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 87206 Acid-fast stain; 87015 Concentration |