| CEREBROSPINAL FLUID CULTURE,
AFB |
| Alternate Names: |
CSF Culture for Mycobacteria |
| Test Includes: |
Culture for mycobacteria species, to include M.
tuberculosis and M. avium complex (MAC)
Smear for mycobacteria species |
| Performed: |
Daily,
24 Hours |
| Turnaround Time: |
6 weeks
Physicians, the patient's nurse, and InfectionControl will be notified
immediately of positive smears and/or cultures |
| Container / Specimen Requirements |
|
| Container / Tube: |
Sterile screw-cap tube |
|
Minimum Volume: |
0.5
mL |
| Special Handling or Timing of Specimen: |
Tubes should be numbered in sequence. The third tube
collected during lumbar puncture is most suitable for culture, as
skin contaminants from the puncture are usually washed out with fluid
collected in the first two tubes.
Test performed at NHRMC only.
Specimens must be delivered to the laboratory within 30 minutes of
collection. |
| Preparation of Patient: |
None |
| Expected Results: |
No acid - fast bacilli isolated |
| Causes for Specimen Rejection: |
Improper labeling.
Specimen not collected in sterile container.
Specimen container must not be contaminated on the outside. |
| Microbiology Specimen Rejection Policy: |
Click here for policy |
CareManager Test Group:
CareManager Name/Alias: |
MLAB
AFB |
| Specimen Labeling: |
Click here for policy |
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