Culture AFB Bld Acid Fast Bacilli (BCA)

Department: Microbiology
Test Synonym(s): LAB246, BCA, Blood culture AFB, Acid Fast Bacilli culture, C AFB
Test Components: AFB culture
CPT Codes: 87716
Methodology: BACTEC FX, continuous monitoring system
Reference Range: Negative for acid fast bacilli
Tube Type: Myco/F Lytic bottle 1-5 mL
Specimen: Blood
Alternate Specimen: None
Pediatric Requirements: Same
Volume: 5 mL
Minimum Volume: 1 mL
Temperature: Room temperature
Stability: Send to lab immediately.
Reasons for Rejection: Excessive delay in transport.
Days Performed: Daily
TAT: 6 weeks for negative culture. Varies for positive culture
Significance: Positive cultures are called.
Special Instructions: 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; these tests are sent to a reference laboratory

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