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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6783 Culture, Wound or Abscess, 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

Specimen must arrive as soon as possible. Call Billings Clinic Laboratory at 866-232-2522 to discuss the best specimen transport.

 

1. Disinfect skin surface with 70% alcohol. Allow to dry.
2. Aspirate deepest portion of lesion or sinus with a sterile needle and syringe or catheter. Avoid contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vagina, or other body surfaces.
3. Aseptically transfer 0.5 mL of pus/aspirated material into a screw-capped, sterile container with transport medium supplied.
4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
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