ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

AFB Culture (Includes AFB Stain 0060151) : 0060152

Mnemonic: MC AFB

Methodology: Standard reference procedures for stain and culture. Identification tests of AFB are ordered and billed separately. DNA probes are available for M. tuberculosis complex and M. avium-intracellulare complex as indicated. DNA sequencing and other molecular techniques are used for identification. For drug susceptibilities, refer to Antimicrobial Susceptibility - AFB Mycobacteria (ARUP test code 0060217).
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-62 days
Stain: 24 hours; Final negative after 8 weeks
Positive cultures are reported as soon as detected.
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Recommended collection: Three sputum specimens at 8-24 hour intervals (24 hours when possible) and at least one first-morning specimen.

Collect: Sputum. Also acceptable: Body fluid CSF, gastric aspirate, tissue, or urine.

Specimen Preparation: Gastric Aspirates: Must be neutralized with sodium carbonate if transport is delayed for more than four hours. Transfer 5-10 mL to a sterile container (Min: 1 mL).
OR Sputum: Transfer (for each collection) 10-15 mL to a sterile container. (Min: 1 mL)
OR Body Fluids or CSF: Transfer 5 mL to a sterile container. (Min: 1 mL)
OR Urine: Transfer at least 40 mL to a sterile container. (Min: 10 mL)
OR Tissue: Transfer to a sterile container. (Min: Visible)
Place each specimen in an individual, sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

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

Remarks: Specimen source required. Acid fast stain will NOT be performed on stool specimens, CSF if less than 5 mL, or urine specimens if less than 40 mL. However, these specimens will be cultured.

Unacceptable Conditions: Dry material or material collected and transported on a SWAB.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 week
Reference Interval:
Effective May 16, 2011

Culture negative for acid fast bacilli.
Identification ordered and performed on positives.
Susceptibility performed on all initial isolates of M. tuberculosis complex.
Susceptibility performed on Mycobacterium other than M. tuberculosis complex isolates by request only.
Susceptibility testing of M. gordonae is inappropriate.
Note: AFB stain, AFB identification of positives, and drug susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.  Identification of positive culture is billed by individual DNA probes and tests performed.  Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplified Direct Detection (0060095) is available for respiratory specimens.  For CSF specimens, order Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplified Detection, CSF (0060063). 

The laboratory should be notified when the presence of Mycobacterium genavense is suspected as this organism will not grow on media routinely used for Mycobacterium isolation.

For AFB culture on blood refer to Blood Culture, AFB (0060060).
CPT Code(s): 87116 Culture. CPT codes for identification and susceptibility vary based on method.
Cross References: Blood Culture (AFB Culture (Includes AFB Stain 0060151)), Culture (AFB Culture (Includes AFB Stain 0060151)), MTB Culture (AFB Culture (Includes AFB Stain 0060151)), Mycobacteria Culture (AFB Culture (Includes AFB Stain 0060151)), TB Culture (AFB Culture (Includes AFB Stain 0060151))
 
 

 

 

 
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