Sputum Mycobacterial (AFB) Smear and Culture

Synonyms

• ACID FAST BACILLUS
• ACID-FAST
• CULTURE - ACID FAST - SPUTUM W/SMEAR
• CX SPUTUM AFB
• FLUOROCHROME
• KINYOUN
• LAB877
• MYCOBACTERIUM
• NTM
• TB
• TUBERCULOSIS

Cerner Name

Acid Fast Sputum

Clinical Info

Specimen Sources

Expectorated Sputum Induced Sputum Sputum Trachea

Specimen Types

Aspirate Body Fluid Respiratory

Specimen Volume

Sputum,
Induced sputum

Container

Sterile

Collection Instructions

For diagnostic purposes, all persons suspected of having TB disease at any site should have sputum collected for TB culture. At least three consecutive sputum specimens are needed, each collected in 8- to 24-hour intervals, with at least one being an early morning specimen.

1. Collect 5-8 mL (minimum volume: 3 mL) of a first-morning “deep cough” sputum specimen into a Sputum Collection Kit.
2. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs.
3. Have patient remove dentures.
4. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into Sputum Collection Kit.
5. Remove the funnel and discard. Using the cap provided, securly close the 50 ml conical tube.
5. Label the 50 ml conical tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
6. Send specimen refrigerated.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
*Rejection Criteria: Quantity not sufficient, sputum not received in sputum collection kit, 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

Up to 3 Days at 2 - 8 C (Refrigerated)

Specimen Stability

Up to 3 days at 2-8C (refrigerated)

Methodology

Microbiology Culture

Days Performed

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratories

Northwell Health Laboratories
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

6201256

Results

Result Interpretation

Forms