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Acid Fast Smear and Culture


TEST DIRECTORY
Test Name
Acid Fast Smear and Culture
Alternate Names
mtb culture and smear
mycobacteria culture and smear
tb culture and smear
tuberculosis culture and smear
Test Code
CULAFBSM
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Specimen Requirements
10 mL lower respiratory or body fluid specimen.
Supplies for Submission
Sterile Container (1)
Specimen Collection
  • Submit primary specimen in a sterile, sealed container.
    DO NOT submit swabs.
  • Refrigerate and transport on a cold pack within 24 hours of collection.
  • For first morning sputum, collect specimens on 3 consecutive days for optimal recovery.
Storage Requirements
Refrigerated.
Specimens are stable if refrigerated for 1 week.
Causes for Rejections
Specimens with the following conditions are not accepted:
  • submitted in EDTA, viral transport media, formalin, or other fixatives
  • submitted in non-sterile container or tissue paper
  • contaminated with tap water
  • pooled
  • frozen
  • swabs
GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Turn Around Time
66 days
Limitations
AFB smear will not be performed on urine or stool samples.
CPT Code
87116, 87015, 87206