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HelpTest Code Billings Clinic: 6702 Culture, Sputum, Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) and Smear
Performing Laboratory
Montana Public Health Laboratory, Helena, Montana
Methodology
Includes AFB smear.
Reflex Information:
This test may automatically reflex to other tests. An additional
fee may be added. The ordering physician/provider must indicate if
the reflex test is NOT DESIRED. Indicate on order if no reflex test
is desired.
Method Name:
Broth Media/Instrumentation
Specimen Requirements
One early-morning specimen collected on 3 to 6 consecutive days (1 per day) is recommended. Send each collection in a separate container. Do not pool specimens.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Induced
1. Fill ultrasonic nebulizer with 10 mL of 3% sterile sodium
chloride solution.
2. Seat patient in front of nebulizer.
3. Turn on nebulizer and note strong flow of nebulizer saline from
end of flex tubing.
4. Instruct patient to put end of flex tubing inside lips and
inhale aerosol slowly and deeply.
5. Instruct patient to cough deeply and expectorate 2.5 mL of
sputum into a screw-capped, sterile container.
Note: 1. 24-Hour sputum collection is not
acceptable.
2. “Deep” cough specimen, not saliva, must be collected
for an adequate evaluation. Any specimen containing >25
epithelial cells per low-power field will be rejected because of
oral contamination.
6. If patient cannot expectorate sputum, 5 to 10 minutes of chest
percussion may be administered to stimulate cough and sputum
production.
7. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date
and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. If there is a delay in transport of ≥1 hour, send specimen refrigerated.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Spontaneous
1. Instruct patient to cough deeply and expectorate 2.5 mL of
sputum into a screw-capped, sterile container.
Note: 1. 24-Hour sputum collection is not
acceptable.
2. “Deep” cough specimen, not saliva, must be collected
for an adequate evaluation. Any specimen containing >25
epithelial cells per low-power field will be rejected because of
oral contamination.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. If there is a delay in transport of ≥1 hour, send specimen refrigerated.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Reference Values
Negative (reported as positive or negative)
Automatic call-back: any positive
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification and CPT Coding
CPT Code:
87015 - concentration
87206 - fluorescent and/or AFB stain
87550 - Mycobacteria species, amplified probe technique
87555 - Mycobacteria tuberculosis, direct probe technique (if appropriate)
87560 - Mycobacteria avium-intracellulare, direct probe technique (if appropriate)
Microbiology Coding:
Proper coding for MICROBIOLOGY tests depends on what procedures are
actually performed which may depend on the organism(s) isolated.
When a culture is initially set up, organism(s) may be isolated and
a presumptive identification takes place. When/if an organism(s)
grows, a definitive identification and possible MIC of each
organism may be indicated.
Physician Office Specimen Requirements Additional Information
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