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Click on the first letter of test name, or select test group, to review specifications:

 

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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