Mycobacterial Culture

Label Mnemonic:	AFBCX
Epic code:	LAB2208
Order form:	Microbiology Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	87116

Collection Medium:

Sterile container

Testing Schedule:

0700-1630, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

Cultures are held for 6 weeks.

Comments:

Deliver all specimens to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.

A. Blood - media and instructions available upon request from the Microbiology Lab. A transfer device will be distributed with these culture bottles. Test available for limited patient populations only.

B. Sputum - an early morning specimen on three consecutive days is preferred although two specimens collected on same day >8 hours apart with third specimen on next day is acceptable for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Collect 5-15 mL in a sterile container. Pooled specimens are unacceptable.

C. Swabs are suboptimal for the recovery of mycobacteria since they provide limited material and the hydrophobicity of the mycobacterial cell envelope often compromises a transfer from swabs onto media. See bacterial culture for collection and transport of all other specimen types.

Methodology:

Standard culture media and/or semi-automated radiometric detection

Instructions:

Specimen should be double bagged.

Sample Processing:

Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Indicate specimen/fluid type on requisition.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Submit in sterile transport container.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Transport Instructions:

Coolant packs up to 8 hours.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Recommend early AM overnight shipping or equivalent if not on courier service.

CPT Code:

87116