Search our extensive Laboratory Test Directory to find test codes, ordering recommendations, specimen stability information, Test Fact Sheets, and more.
Recommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Monitor respiratory specimens in previously diagnosed patients. Should NOT be ordered without culture in previously undiagnosed patients. For panel test that includes culture and stain, refer to Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Culture and AFB Stain (0060152).
New York DOH Approval Status
Indicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York state approved.
Specimen Required
Patient PreparationInstructions patient must follow before/during specimen collection.
CollectSpecimen type to collect. May include collection media, tubes, kits, etc.
Sputum or other respiratory specimen.
Specimen PreparationInstructions for specimen prep before/after collection and prior to transport.
Transfer 5-10 mL specimen to a sterile container (Min: 1 mL). Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.
Storage/Transport TemperaturePreferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to ARUP. See Stability for additional info.
Refrigerated.
Unacceptable ConditionsCommon conditions under which a specimen will be rejected.
Non-respiratory specimens. Swabs from any sites. Prepared slides.
RemarksAdditional specimen collection, transport, or test submission information.
Specimen source required.
StabilityAcceptable times/temperatures for specimens. Times include storage and transport time to ARUP.
Expected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
Within 24 hours
Reference Interval
Normal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Negative for acid-fast bacilli.
Interpretive Data
May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, or details of testing.
Compliance Category
Standard
Note
Additional information related to the test.
An AFB Stain alone without culture is appropriate only when following respiratory specimens on previously diagnosed patients. Studies have shown that AFB stain without culture has a poor negative predictive value. For a higher predictive value, order AFB culture (Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Culture, ARUP test code 0060152), which adds an AFB stain.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT Codes
The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
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