Test directory: AFB Blood/Bone Marrow

Ordering Code646
Test NameAFB Blood/Bone Marrow
AliasAFB Blood Culture
AFB Bone Marrow Culture
MAI Blood Culture
Preferred SpecimenWhole Blood or Bone Marrow
Preferred ContainerBactec Myco/F Lytic Bottle
Other Specimen/ContainerWhole Blood or Bone Marrow in SPS (Yellow)
Optimum Volume5 mL
For Bone Marrow, submit as much specimen as possible
Collection InstructionsNote: SPS should be used only for Fungal or AFB cultures, as other bacterial organisms may be inhibited by the anticoagulant

Perform aseptic venipuncture: After palpating site, cleanse with 70% alcohol. Using tincture of iodine or provodone- iodine, swab in a circular motion concentrically from the center of the site outward. Allow iodine to dry (i.e. 2 or more minutes). DO NOT re-palpate site once it has been prepped. For iodine-sensitive patients, a double alcohol preparation may be used.
Handling InstructionsThe top of the culture vial or SPS anticoagulant tube must be cleansed in the same manner as the patient prior to inoculation of the blood specimen. It is NOT necessary to perform a needle change prior to inoculation of the vial or tube. Keep specimen ambient.
Transport RequirementsOahu: Ambient
Airline: Ambient
Specimen StabilityAmbient: Myco/F Lytic = 16 hours from the time of collection SPS (Yellow) = 3 Days
Rejection CriteriaClotted, Frozen, Specimen older than stability limits
Note: specimens with rejection concerns that cannot be recollected (e.g. bone marrow) will be processed upon receipt and the ordering physician consulted.
Avail. StatNO
Analytic TimeUp to 6 Weeks
Additional time is required for identification &/or susceptibility testing if the culture is positive.
MethodologyCulture, real time detection of increased CO2 production due to mycobacterial growth

Reference range(s)

ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
AFB Culture Status:ALLSee report.
AFB Blood ResultALLSee report.
AFB Bone Marrow ResultALLSee report.