Bronchial Mycobacterial (AFB) Smear and Culture

Synonyms

  • ACID FAST BACILLI
  • ACID FAST BACILLUS
  • ACID FAST BRONCHIAL
  • ACID-FAST
  • AF BR
  • AFB STAIN
  • CX BRONCHIAL AFB
  • FLUOROCHROME
  • KINYOUN
  • LAB10222
  • MTB
  • MYCOBACTERIUM
  • NTM
  • TB
  • TUBERCULOSIS

Cerner Name

Acid Fast Bronchial

Clinical Info

Mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
pose a significant global public health challenge, with early diagnosis being
crucial for preventing transmission and initiating prompt treatment.
Additionally, approximately 200 known species of nontuberculous mycobacteria
(NTM), commonly found in the environment (soil and water), are emerging as
opportunistic human pathogens, with a rising prevalence of pulmonary NTM
infections. 

Specimen Sources

BAL Bronchial, Left Bronchial, Right Bronchoalveolar, Left Bronchoalveolar, Right

Specimen Types

Aspirate Body Fluid Respiratory Wash

Specimen Volume

5-8 mL (minimum volume: 3 mL) Bronchial washing, Bronchial lavage

Container

Screw-capped, sterile container

Collection Instructions

1. Collect bronchial lavage or washing in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
*Rejection Criteria: Quantity not sufficient, specimen leaking, specimen received with tubing attached to the cap, unlabeled or mislabeled specimen, specimen without a minimum of 2 patient identifiers, specimen received after prolonged delay (more than 7 days), specimen in fixative.

Transport Instructions

 Refrigerated
(2°-8°C), transport to the laboratory as soon as possible.                   

Specimen Stability

Up to 3 days at 2°-8°C (refrigerated)

Methodology

The specimen is processed and
an acid fast smear is performed to
detect acid-fast bacilli. . All specimens are cultured in broth and
solid media for up to 6 weeks for the detection and identification of M.
tuberculosis complex and nontuberculous mycobacteria.
M. tuberculosis complex  isolates are referred to the department of
health for further speciation and susceptibility testing. 

Days Performed

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratories

Northwell Health Laboratories - Little Neck Parkway
If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification
and/or antibiotic susceptibilities performed when appropriate.

CPT

87116 - culture
87206 - smear

PDM

6201246

Results

Result Interpretation

Smear: No acid-fast bacilli seen by fluorochrome stain.

Culture: No acid-fast bacilli isolated after 6 weeks.

Forms

ID Micro LAB10222 build edit