| Test Name: | AFB Culture with Stain (Mycobacteria) |
| Epic Order Code: | LAB877 | | |
| CPT Code: | Test: | 87116 | |
| | Fluorescent smear: | 87206 | |
| Specimen(s) Type: | Can be ordered on any source suspected of harboring AFB, except feces. Specimens should not be submitted on swabs or culturettes. |
| Acceptable Container(s): | Sterile screw cap plastic cup |
| Testing Schedule: | Specimens may be submitted 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Specimens are batched at 9 a.m. Monday-Friday. |
| Turn Around Time: | STAT: NA | | |
| | Routine: 42 days; preliminary results reported after 1 week. |
| Collection Information: | Refer to Microbiology Collection Information by Source. If multiple specimens are to be collected, do not collect on same day. |
| Transport Information: | Deliver to the lab immediately. All specimens must be signed into the laboratory. |
| Reference Client: | If unable to deliver to lab immediately, store and transport specimens at 2-8° C. Specimens must be received in lab within 24 hours. |
| Causes for Rejection: | Improperly labeled, incorrect container, contaminated, insufficient quantity, improper/delay in transport. |
| Reference Range: | Culture negative for Mycobacteria. |
| Additional Information: | If an induced sputum series from Respiratory Therapy is to be collected, notify the Microbiology Laboratory at (601) 984-2358. Notate this special collection in the comment field of the order. |
| | Acid-fast smears are performed between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Specimens received after 9 a.m. Friday until Monday morning will have direct Kinyoun smears performed. |
| | Feces may be cultured if M. avium/intracellulare if suspected. The laboratory must be notified if Acid fast smears are required; if positive the specimen is submitted to the Mississippi State Board of Health for cultures. Feces specimens for AFB are performed by MS State Board of Health at its discretion. |