AFB Direct Stain

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General Information

Lab Name
AFB Direct Stain
Lab Code
AFBST
Epic Ordering
Direct Exam - Direct AFB Stain
Description
For specimen types other than stool, a culture (see AFBHSC and AFBBNM) is always performed with smear because smear alone has an unacceptably low sensitivity for AFB detection.
Synonyms
Acid Fast, Acid Fast Smear, Acid Fast Stain, AFB Smear, AFB Stain, MAC, MAI, MTB, Mycobacteria Stain, TB, TB Stain, Tuberculosis Stain
Components

Interpretation

Method
Microscopy
Reference Range
See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Stool, Bone Marrow
Collection
Stool:  5-10 grams in sterile cup.
Note:  If stool AFB smear is positive, AFB culture (AFBHC) is logged by requesting laboratory (UW-MT or HMC) and performed by HMC Microbiology.

Bone Marrow: 2 prepared smears; or Wampole ISOLATOR 1.5 tube; or heparin or SPS or EDTA tube for AFB smears only.   See AFBBNM for bone marrow AFB CULTURE specimen requirements.
Handling Instructions
Transport smears in a slide container taped closed and labeled BIOHAZARD.  Transport specimens within 1 hour at room temperature or within 24 hours at refrigerator temperature.
Quantity
requested: see above
minimum: 2 smears

Processing

Processing
 If specimen is not stool or bone marrow, Login:  AFBHSC (AFB culture with smear)

Performance

LIS Dept Code
Microbiology (MC)
Performing Location(s)
HMC Microbiology
206-744-5858

325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420

Frequency
Daily
Available STAT?
Call lab

Billing & Coding

CPT codes
87206
LOINC
654-4
Interfaced Order Code
UOW2533