AFB Culture
- Synonyms: TB CULTURE ACID FAST CULTURE
- LIS Mnemonic: CAFBG
Collect
See Remarks below
Volume Required
See Remarks below
Minimum Required
0.5mL, including for PCR
Transport
All specimens must be delivered to the laboratory promptly, within 30 minutes of collection; if this is not possible, refrigerate. Gastric Aspirates must be sent to the laboratory immediately or they will be rejected.
Stability
2 Hours
(Exception: Gastrics which must be sent to laboratory immediately)
Unacceptable conditions
Specimens on swabs; urine sent in urine transport tubes, 24-hour urine specimens, gastric specimens contaminated with tap water
Saliva specimens (consult with Respiratory Therapy regarding induced sputum if having difficulty obtaining a sputum sample)
Days Performed
M-F
Reported
Preliminary Report in Seven (7) Days
CPT
87118
Methodology
Culture
Remarks
SPECIMEN COLLECTION INFORMATION (SEE BELOW FOR VOLUME REQUIRED)
Blood/Bone Marrow: See CAFBLG (Culture and Smear, AFB Blood)
Bronchial: collect in sterile leak-proof container; avoid contaminating with tap water
Gastric aspirate: send 3 consecutive first morning specimens obtained before patient awakens; collect in sterile leak-proof screw cap container [see Nursing procedures 4:4a Collection of Tb specimens]
Sputum: send 3 consecutive first morning specimens; collect in sterile leak-proof screw cap container
Urine: send first morning specimen on ice; collect in sterile leak-proof screw cap container
CSF: optimal volume is 5-10 mL; if less is available consider direct PCR testing for M. tuberculosis
Stool: collect in sterile leak-proof container; for HIV patients only
Tissue: submit in a sterile leak-proof container with the specimen wrapped in moist sterile gauze (use sterile water) to prevent drying. Do not add saline, which is toxic for AFB.
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VOLUME REQUIRED:
Bronchial: 1 mL
Gastric aspirate: > 2mL
Sputum: at least 2 mL
Urine: 2-5 mL
CSF: 5-10 mL
Stool: 2-5 tablespoons
Tissue: as much as possible; larger size improves yield
Also referred to as "TB CULTURE".
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