Culture AFB Acid Fast Bacilli (ABA)
Department: Microbiology
Test Synonym(s): LAB877, Abscess Culture AFB, ABA, Acid Fast Bacilli, AFB Culture
Test Components: AFB culture, AFB smear
CPT Codes: 87116: culture 87206: stain 87015: concentration
Methodology: Culture and flurochrome stain
Reference Range: Negative for acid fast bacilli.
Tube Type: Sterile container
Specimen: SPECIFY SOURCE. Swabs are unacceptable.
Alternate Specimen: If source is abscess; send aspirate or purulent material.
Temperature: Refrigerated
Stability: Send to lab immediately
Reasons for Rejection: Non sterile or leaking container. Specimens submitted in anticoagulant other than SPS. Excessive delay in transport (Rec'd > 72 hrs after collection). Swabs and E swabs are not acceptable specimens.
Days Performed: Daily
TAT: AFB smear: 1-3 days. Culture: 6 weeks for negative culture. Varies for positive culture
Special Instructions: AFB smear included with culture and has a separate charge. For patients with clinical and chest imaging findings compatible with tuberculosis, three sputum specimens should be submitted for acid-fast smear and culture. Specimens should be collected at 8-24 hr intervals and should include at least one first morning specimen. There will be separate charges for organism identification for positive cultures.
AFB susceptibility testing is sent out to a reference laboratory.Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptibility testing is done automatically by the TN State Lab. Susceptibility testing for other Mycobacterium species must be requested by calling the Microbiology Lab at 615-322-3406.
Search Help
Search Options for the Test Directory:
1. Enter the test name in the Keyword search field.
Hint: You can also enter any part of the test name to expand the search.
(Example: you can type "west" or "sed" or "rate" to find Westergren Sedimentation Rate)
2. Enter the Vanderbilt Test Code, if known.
3. Choose one of the letter boxes to display a list of all test names and keywords starting with that letter.
If you are unable to find a test in our directory, please contact VPLS at
1-800-551-5227 or e-mail emily.k.thompson@vumc.org.