C AFB

Culture, Acid-Fast Bacillus with Smear, Respiratory Source

EPIC Test Procedure Code: LAB2533

Performing Lab:
Saint Luke's Regional Laboratories
Required Patient Info:

If there is a high clinical suspicion of pulmonary TB, contact the Saint Luke's Hospital Microbiology Department about testing needs.

Container Type:
Screw-capped, sterile container
Specimen Type:

A series of 3 first-morning, sputum specimens for acid-fast Bacillus is the recommended procedure.

Collection Procedure:

1. Submit the sputum specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.  
2. Label the container with the patient's full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
4. The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

Store and Transport:
Refrigerated
Unacceptable Condition:

A 24 hour sputum collection for acid-fast Bacillus is not acceptable.

CPT Codes:

87116 - Culture AFB (EAP 30060220)
87206 - AFB Smear (EAP 30060040)
87118 - Identification (if appropriate)

Test Schedule:
Monday through Friday
Reference Ranges:

No acid-fast Bacillus isolated at 42 days.

If positive, acid-fast bacilli will be identified and clinically relevant isolates will be sent to a referral laboratory for susceptibility testing on request.

Critical value (automatic call-back): Positive

Lab Personnel

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