Test Code CAFB Culture, Acid-Fast and Smear
Additional Codes
EPIC: LAB877
Methodology
Tube Culture/ ESP continuous Monitoring System/ AFB Smear
Note: Analytic time for culture is 8 weeks.
Performing Laboratory
Pathology Lab, Des Moines, IA
Use the following link for additional information.
Specimen Requirements
Acceptable Specimens:
Sputum, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Gastric Aspirate, Urine, Body Fluid, Tissue/Sterile Container
Unacceptable Conditions:
Dry specimen, Leaking container, inadequate volume of sputum or fluid specimens (<5 ml), specimen on swab.
Stability:
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Ambient: 24 hours
See the following link for specimen specific collection guidelines:
PL-Microbiology Specimen Collection Guidelines (2020.07.22).pdf (pathologylab.org)
Reference Values
Negative
Critical value: all positives
Day(s) Test Set Up
Setup daily, on day shift. (Cultures read on the dayshift only.)
Smear results 24 hours of being received at reference lab, Culture 8 weeks
Note: There is no courier to the reference lab on Saturday and Sunday.
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87015
87116
87206