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HelpTest Code Billings Clinic: 6803 Culture, Blood, 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. Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s), and send 5 mL of unprocessed lithium heparin whole blood.
2. Label tube(s) 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. Specimen cannot be frozen.
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