Mycobacteriology: AFB Smear and Culture
Updated	10/12/2009
Other Names	Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB
How to Order	Check the AFB Smear/Culture box under MYCOBACTERIUM on the General Microbiology Request Form
Availability	County and State Public Health entities
Methodology	Standard reference methods for AFB smear and Culture
Performed	Daily during business hours
Time to Reporting	Smear: within one working day. Culture: up to 8 weeks
CPT Code	87015, 87206, 87116, 87552

Specimen Collection Details
Collection	Collection kits available on request. Collect Sputum into 50ml tube provided Detailed instructions for collection, packaging, and submission of specimens can be found at:http://public.health.oregon.gov/LaboratoryServices/Documents/tb.pdf
Optimal Volume	5 ml (Not more than 10 ml)
Minimum Volume	1 ml (lower volumes processed with qualifier)
Handling	Refrigerate samples at 2-8ºC if transport is delayed
Transport	Submit specimen according to Infectious Substance Shipping Guidelines. Deliver to lab within 5 days of collection. Delayed specimens will be processed with a qualifier.
Rejection Criteria	Unlabeled specimens, specimens not submitted per collection instructions, or without completed requisition forms will not be processed.
Comments	For additional information or assistance, please contact the laboratory at 503-693-4100.

Mycobacteriology: AFB Smear and Culture