Home
HelpTest Code LAB246 AFB Culture, Blood
Infectious
Clinical System Name
AFB Culture, Blood
Synonyms
AFB Blood Culture
Mycobacteria
Acid Fast Bacilli
Acid-Fast
LAB246
Sample Requirements
SCH Main Campus Specimen Collection: Collect blood in SPS tube and send to the laboratory for processing.
NOTE: Two separate tubes (one for each test) must be collected if both AFB and Fungal cultures are ordered. AFB and Fungal can no longer be performed from a single tube.
Sample must be received by HMC Microbiology before 10pm for same day processing. Sample must be received by HMC Microbiology within 15 hours of collection for testing to be performed. Delayed specimen(s) will be rejected. Sample should be kept at room temperature.
Off-Site Specimen Collection: Blood culture for filamentous fungi should only be collected at SCH Main Campus. If culture for yeast is requested, this can be collected in an aerobic blood culture bottle.
Specimen: Blood
Container: SPS Tube
Preferred Vol: 8.3 mL
Minimum: 1.0 mL
SPS Tubes can be obtained by calling the Microbiology Laboratory at ext. 7-2585.
Processing Instructions
CPA: Send sample to Microbiology for processing along with the requisition. Specimens must be received at HMC Microbiology within 15 hours of collection. Specimens must be received at HMC before 10pm for same day processing. Outside locations and clinics must call HMC Microbiology Lab at (206) 744-5858 in advance of sending specimens.
NOTE: Send DIRECT to HMC GWH 47 via Delivery Express courier.
Stability
| Temp | Time |
|---|---|
| Room temp | 15 hours |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Availability
| Procedure | Performed | Turn Around Time (TAT) |
|---|---|---|
| AFB Blood Culture | 24/7 | 42 days |
Performing Laboratory
Harborview Medical Center
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
325 9th Avenue, Room GWH 47
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone Number: Microbiology Lab - (206) 744-5858, UW Client Support Services - (206) 520-4600
Department
Department: Microbiology
Phone Number: (206) 987-2585
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 DIRECT to HMC GWH 47 via Delivery Express courier. |
Description
Includes Blood Culture only. Direct Stain is not performed.
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.