Culture, Acid Fast, includes Smear
Alias:
Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB), AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli), Bacillus, Acid-Fast, Culture, TB (Tuberculosis), MTB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), Mycobacteria Culture, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), TB (Tuberculosis), TB (Tuberculosis) Culture, Tubercle Bacilli: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Tuberculosis (TB)
Methodology:
Organism Identification is performed by biochemical test and/or Bruker MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry RUO Database. Organism sensitivities (AST) are performed as applicable using Broth Microdilution and/or Gradient diffusion strips using FDA approved methodology and CLSI guidelines. Performance has been evaluated and verified by UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, Pathology Laboratory.
Performed:
Setup daily, 24 hours a day
Analytical Time:
Smear results 24 hours, Culture 8 weeks
Analytical time listed is the average time for a negative culture. Average analytical time may vary for positive, mixed, and complex cultures. Contact the lab for specific questions.
Testing Laboratory:
Laboratory Section:
Culture, Acid Fast, includes Smear
Preferred Collection Container:
Also Acceptable Collection Container:
Collection Information:
Acceptable sources: Sputum, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Gastric Aspirate, Urine, Body Fluid, Tissue
Acceptable containers: Sterile cup, Copan ESwabs
Transport Information:
Gastric lavage specimens must be treated with equal parts 1% sodium bicarbonate prior to transport to reference laboratory.
To prepare 1% sodium bicarbonate from a 7.5 % solution:
- Dilute 1.0 mL of 7.5% sodium bicarbonate with 13.0 mL of sterile deionized water.
- Mix
- Solution is stable 24 hours refrigerated.
Remarks:
Aseptic technique must be used in obtaining, and transport of specimen.
See
Specimen Collection Guidelines for specific specimen. Identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture. SWABS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE ISOLATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM, SINCE THEY PROVIDE LIMITED SPECIMEN MATERIAL.
For patients with clinical and chest x-ray findings compatible with tuberculosis, three sputum samples should be collected over an 8-24 hour period of time (including at least one first morning specimen).Unacceptable Conditions:
Dry specimen, Leaking container, inadequate volume of sputum or fluid specimens (5 ml), specimen on gel or dry swab.
Stability
Refrigerated Stability:
Ambient Stability:
Culture, Acid Fast, includes Smear
Sunquest Order Code:
Epic Number: 
CPT Code:
Culture, Acid Fast, includes Smear
Modified:
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