AFB Culture & ID
| Test Name: | Mycobacterial Culture and Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Smear from Primary Specimen |
| Test Methodology: | Digestion and decontamination, microscopic examination of fluorochrome smear, continuous monitoring of conventional culture and broth culture system, and identification of AFB-positive cultures. |
| Test to be Performed: | AFB Culture & ID |
| CPT: | 87015 87206 87116 83789 Other CPT for identifying isolates |
| Reflex Testing Criteria: | If acid-fast bacilli are found in the initial smear, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex detection and rifampin resistance by PCR (MTB NAAT) will be performed. If Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex is isolated from a new patient, drug susceptibility testing will be performed, and an isolate will be sent for TB genotyping per Title 17. |
| Pre-Approval Required: | N/A |
| Accepted Specimens: | Respiratory specimens (sputum, bronchial lavage, bronchial washing, transtracheal aspirate, etc.) •Collected in a sterile, leak-proof container. 5 – 10 mL recommended: 2 mL minimum. Non-respiratory specimens: •Body fluids (abdominal/peritoneal, pericardial, synovial) 5 – 10 mL recommended; 2 mL minimum collected in a sterile, leak-proof container. •Stool or tissue (2 grams recommended; 1 gram minimum) in sterile containers without preservatives or fixatives. •Urine (40 mL recommended; 10 – 15 mL minimum) in sterile, leak-proof container. •Gastric lavage (5 – 10 mL recommended; 15 mL maximum) in a sterile, leak-proof container. Swabs are considered suboptimal and will be resulted with a disclaimer. Unacceptable specimens: Blood and bone marrow. |
| Specimen Stability: | For all specimen types, other than those specified below: •Room temperature: ≤1 hour. If transport is delayed more than 1 hour, refrigerate specimen. •Refrigerated (2 – 8 °C): within 72 hours of collection. •Frozen: Not recommended For stool •Room temperature: ≤1 hour. If transport is delayed more than 1 hour, refrigerate specimen. •Refrigerated (2 – 8 °C): within 24 hours of collection •Frozen: Not recommended For CSF •Room temperature (15-30°C) within 24 hours; do not refrigerate or freeze. For Gastric lavage •Room temperature; if delayed > 4 hours, neutralize with 100 mg sodium bicarbonate within 1 hour of collection.; do not refrigerate or freeze. |
| Storage/Transport Conditions: | Refrigerated (2 – 8 °C) unless otherwise specified above. Specimens should be submitted as soon as possible after collection. Ship with cold or ice packs using appropriate DOT/IATA approved shipping procedures. |
| Turnaround Time: | AFB Smear: 24 hours Negative culture: 6 weeks (42 days) Positive culture: 6 weeks (42 days); Preliminary reports will be issued if acid-fast bacilli is found by MGIT system or in culture. |
| Reference Range: | No acid-fast bacilli found |
| Comments: | For questions regarding submissions, please contact the lab for further information. |
Public Health Laboratory Location
150 East Holt Boulevard
Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: (909) 458-9430
Fax: (909) 986-3590
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.