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HelpTest Code Billings Clinic: 6738 Culture, Body Fluid, 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. Submit 5 mL of body fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container. If specimen is bloody, place into a green-top (lithium heparin) tube.
2. Label container/tube 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
All