ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Stain Only : 0060151

Mnemonic: MS AFB

Methodology: Auramine O Stain
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Sputum or other respiratory specimen.

Specimen Preparation: Transfer 5-10 mL specimen to a sterile container (Min: 1 mL). Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Remarks: Specimen source required.

Unacceptable Conditions: Non-respiratory specimens. Swabs from any sites.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 2 weeks
Reference Interval:
Negative for acid-fast bacilli.
Note: An AFB Stain alone without culture is appropriate only when following respiratory specimens on previously diagnosed patients. Studies have shown that AFB stain without culture has a poor negative predictive value. For a higher predictive value, order AFB culture (Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Culture, ARUP test code 0060152), which adds an AFB stain.
CPT Code(s): 87206; 87015