Acid-fast bacilli (mycobacteria) concentration

TEST DESCRIPTION

Procedure for decontaminating and concentrating non-sterile specimens, particularly sputum and bronchial wash specimens, for subsequent acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture. Decontamination is necessary to reduce the amount of normal flora in respiratory specimens to isolate mycobacteria upon culture.

Methodology

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NALC) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) digestion and decontamination

Reference range

Specimen concentration performed

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily and typically reported with the AFB smear result within one business day.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Non-sterile specimens acceptable for AFB culture and/or smear

SPECIMEN STORAGE & TRANSPORT

Refer to the storage and collection instructions for AFB culture.

CODES

CPT: 87015
LOINC: Not applicable
Test code: 9900

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.