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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6715 Culture, Bronchial Alveolar Lavage (BAL), 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

1. Bronchial alveolar lavage specimen should be collected by a trained person in the Pulmonary Department.
2. Submit ≥10 mL of bronchial alveolar lavage in a screw-capped, sterile container.

3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

4. 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

Billings Clinic and Hospital Patients Only