Test Overview

Test Methodology

Culture

Test Usage

Isolate and identify mycobacteria

Reference Range*

No growth of mycobacteria

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Details

Days Test Performed

Sunday - Friday

Analytic Time

Preliminary results are reported in 12-24 hours. The health care provider will be notified of positive cultures. Negative cultures are reported after 6 weeks.

Soft Order Code

BAFB

MiChart Code

AFB Culture, Source Other Than Blood

Synonyms

Laboratory

Microbiology

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Specimen Requirements

Offsite Collection Instructions

Collect pus, purulent fluid, wound, biopsy, lesions, cysts, or exudate. DO NOT SEND SWABS. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection. May be refrigerated up to 24 hrs. Indicate specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy, and clinical diagnosis. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the client will be notified and another specimen will be requested before disposal of the specimen. Swab specimens are not acceptable.

Normal Volume

0.5 - 5 mL fluid

Minimum Volume

0.5 - 5 mL fluid

Additional Information

Test includes: culture and acid-fast smear. Test includes identification and susceptibility testing of potentially pathogenic organism(s) at an additional charge unless specifically declined. Susceptibilities are performed on the first organism isolated from a patient and at 2-6 month intervals if that organism continues to be isolated while the patient is on therapy. M. tuberculosis susceptibility testing is sent to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS); although there is no charge for testing, MLabs charges a handling fee for processing and forwarding specimens to MDHHS. M. avium complex susceptibility testing is sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories. rapid growing mycobacteria susceptibility testing performed at UMHS microbiology department. A subculture of the isolate is kept for 1 year by the Microbiology Laboratory for further testing, if necessary. By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that additional reflex testing will be performed and billed at a separate additional charge if indicated.

Billing Information

Fee Codes

CPT Code

87116 Culture, 87206 Smear

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