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Test Code

Test Name

Mycobacteria Culture

CPT Codes

87015, 87116, 87206

Included Tests

Acid Fast Stain
Mycobacterial Culture
Identification and susceptibility testing if applicable. Additional CPT codes may apply.

Expected Turnaround Time

4 - 5 weeks

Clinical Utility

Isolation of Mycobacteria in culture may identify the cause of infection and aid in the treatment and isolation of these patients is warranted.

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.

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

48 hours

Frozen

Unacceptable

Causes for Rejection

Pooled specimens will be rejected.

Methodology

Culture with reflex to additional methods for identification and susceptibility if warranted

Critical Values

HNL Lab Medicine Critical Values

Performing Location

Roble Road Core Laboratory

Alternate Names

Testing Schedule

Routine, daily