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Test Code
AFSM
Test Name
Acid Fast Stain
CPT Codes
87206
Included Tests
  • Acid Fast Stain
  • Does not include Acid Fast Culture. See Mycobacteria Culture.
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility
Acid-Fast staining for microscopic examination is useful for determining the presence of Mycobacteria in patient specimen. Negative results do not rule out infections caused by Mycobacteria and culture (which includes microscopic examination) is preferred. Microscopic examination alone may be useful for monitoring of patients undergoing treatment for infection.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Container

Volume

Minimum Volume

Sputum, Bronchial Lavage/Wash

Sterile Container

5 - 10 mL

3 mL

Note: If the specimen submitted is less than 3 mL but greater than 1 mL, It is accepted but a comment is added to say the results may be compromised. If less than 1 mL is submitted, the specimen may be rejected as quantity insufficient.

Tissue

Sterile Container

-

-

Wound

Eswab

Note: Swabs will be accepted but are an inferior specimen for the recovery of Mycobacteria. Collection of swabs is discouraged.

-

-

CSF

Sterile, Non-additive Container (CSF)

5 mL

1 mL

Urine

Sterile Container

50 mL

10 mL
Collection Instructions
First morning specimens are preferred for sputum and urine.
Processing and Submission Instructions

Microscopic examination alone is not sensitive for the detection of all mycobacterial infections, a culture order is recommended.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

48 hours

Frozen

Unacceptable

Freeze/Thaw Cycles

Unacceptable
Causes for Rejection

Pooled sputum specimens.
Methodology
Microscopic Examination
Reference Intervals

 No Acid Fast Bacilli Observed
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • Ziehl-Neelsen Stain
  • AFB Stain
  • Stain for Mycobacteria
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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