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HelpTest Code C BloodAFB Blood Culture, AFB
Infectious
Clinical System Name
Blood Culture, AFB
Synonyms
AFB Blood Culture
Mycobacteria
Acid Fast Bacilli
Acid-Fast
Description
Includes Blood Culture only. Direct Stain is not performed.
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Blood or Bone Marrow
Container: Wampole ISOLATOR Tube (Regular or Pediatric)
Preferred Vol: 10 mL
Minimum: 6.0 mL (detection of AFB organisms is decreased when volume is less than 10 mL)
| Volume | Recommended Wampole ISOLATOR Tube |
| 6.0 - 10 mL | Regular |
| 1.0 - 1.5 mL | Pediatric |
Wampole ISOLATOR Tubes can be obtained by calling the Microbiology Laboratory at x72585. If fungal culture from a bone marrow sample is desired, see Fungal Blood Culture. If bacteria or yeast culture is desired from bone marrow, see Bone Marrow Culture.
Processing Instructions
CPA: Send sample to Microbiology for processing along with the requisition. Specimens must be received within 15 hours of collection. Outside locations and clinics must call UWMC Microbiology Lab at (206) 598-6147 in advance of sending specimens. Specimens must be received before 10:30 PM for same day processing.
Off-site collection: Off-site Children's Lab locations should send the sample to SCH Microbiology Laboratory for processing along with the requisition. Sample should be kept at room temperature prior to and during courier transport.
Other off-site locations, keep sample at room temperature prior to and during courier transport to SCH Microbiology Laboratory.
Stability
| Temp | Time |
|---|---|
| Room temp | 15 hours |
| Refrigerated | N |
| Frozen | N |
Availability
| Procedure | Performed | Turn Around Time (TAT) |
|---|---|---|
| AFB Blood Culture | 24/7 | 42 days |
Performing Laboratory
University of Washington
Dept of Laboratory Medicine
UW Microbiology Lab
1959 NE Pacific St, NW220
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone Number: (206) 520-4600
Department
Department: Send Outs
Phone Number: (206) 987-2563
Notifiable Result
See Link below for Notifiable Conditions for WA state labs:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/PublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/NotifiableConditions.aspx
See Link below for PDF of phone numbers for Local Health jurisdictions (by County) in WA State:
Reporting Information
Negative Final Report: 42 days
The report will be updated and the provider will be notified if growth is detected within the given incubation period.
CPT Codes
87015
87116
This test is not limited to the CPT codes listed. Others may be added as more testing is necessary and depending on the pathogens isolated (example: MIC's and ID codes)
Send Out Instructions
| Reference Test Name: | AFB Culture, Blood |
| Reference Test Number: | AFBBC |
| Instructions: | Send out Monday - Friday with the UW courier. Weekends and Holidays, courier to UW NW220. |