Urine Mycobacterial (AFB) Smear and Culture

Synonyms

• ACID FAST BACILLI
• ACID FAST BACILLUS
• ACID FAST URINE
• ACID-FAST
• AFB STAIN
• BCG
• CX URINE AFB
• FLUOROCHROME
• KINYOUN
• LAB11666
• MTB
• MYCOBACTERIUM
• NTM
• TB
• TUBERCULOSIS

Cerner Name

Acid Fast Urine

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

Bladder Kidney, Left Kidney, Right Urethra Urine, Catheter Urine, Clean Catch Urine, Foley Urine, Nephrostomy Urine, Suprapubic

Specimen Types

Urine

Specimen Volume

10 mL urine ( 5 ml minimum)

Container

Sterile Urine Cup

Collection Instructions

Container/Tube: Screw capped sterile container
Specimen: 10 mL urine ( 5 ml min)
Transport Temperature: Refrigerated

Collection:
1. Collect 10 mL (minimum volume: 5 mL) of urine (first-morning specimen is recommended) 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.
*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, specimen received in a urine culture tube (QNS).

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

PDM

6201005

Results

Result Interpretation

Forms