Acid Fast CSF AF CSF

Synonyms

Allscripts (AEHR) Order Name

Culture - Acid Fast - CSF

Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Order Name

Culture - Acid Fast - CSF

EPIC Order Name

CSF 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

CSF

Specimen Volume

5-8
ml optimal - If less than 5ml is received a smear can not be performed.

Container

CSF Tube

Collection Instructions

1. Disinfect site with antiseptic.
2. Using a sterile needle with stylet, insert needle at L3, L4, L5, or L5-S1 interspace.
3. After reaching subarachnoid space, remove stylet, and collect 8 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of spinal fluid in a screw-capped, sterile vial.
4. Label vial with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
5. Send specimen refrigerated.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: 1. Smear will only be performed if >5 mL of spinal fluid is submitted.
2. 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 if greater than 5ml of CSF is received.  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 (if appropriate)

PDM

6201252

Result Interpretation

Forms