Acid Fast Body Fluid AF BF

Synonyms

Allscripts (AEHR) Order Name

Culture - Acid Fast - Body Fluid w/Smear

Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Order Name

Culture - Acid Fast - Body Fluid w/Smear

EPIC Order Name

Body Fluid Mycobacterial (AFB) Smear and Culture

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 Type

Body Fluid

Specimen Volume

1-10ml

Container

Sterile

Collection Instructions

1. Disinfect overlying skin with 70% alcohol. 2. Aspirate body fluid using a sterile needle and syringe or via surgery.
3. Place 10 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of body fluid in a 50ml conical tube (preferred) or screw-capped sterile container. If arriving in a syringe, needle must be removed prior to transportation.
4. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

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 - acid-fast stain

PDM

6201240

Result Interpretation

Forms