AFB Direct Stain

General Information

Lab Name

AFB Direct Stain

Lab Code

AFBST

Epic Name

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

Code Name
SDES Specimen Description
SREQ Special Requests
AFBSTN AFB Stain
RPT Report Status

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

 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