Mycobacterial (AFB) Culture

Synonyms

• ACID FAST BACILLI
• ACID FAST BACILLUS
• ACID FAST STOOL
• ACID-FAST
• AF STL
• CULTURE - ACID FAST - STOOL W/SMEAR
• LAB11495
• MTB
• MYCOBACTERIUM
• NTM
• TB
• TUBERCULOSIS

Cerner Name

Acid Fast Stool

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

Stool

Specimen Types

Stool

Specimen Volume

1ml of liquid stool or solid stool the size of a pea.

Container

Stool Container

Collection Instructions

1. Collect 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5ml) of liquid stool or solid stool the size of a pea, in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with the patients, name, date of birth, at least 2 patient identifiers
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, 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

6201258

Results

Result Interpretation

Forms