Blood Culture, AFB and Fungal
Also known as: MC BLDAF
Use
The Blood Culture, AFB and Fungal test is used for culturing acid-fast bacteria and fungi from blood or bone marrow specimens. This test is particularly helpful in diagnosing infections caused by mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and various fungal organisms when standard cultures might not detect them. It is a crucial step in identifying and subsequently managing such infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with persistent unexplained fevers.
Special Instructions
Aseptic draw is required for specimen collection. A single Myco/F Lytic bottle is used for both AFB and fungal cultures. If pyrazinamide susceptibility testing is needed for M. tuberculosis complex, users should contact their local public health laboratory or the CDC for specific gene testing, as ARUP only provides testing for other first-line drugs.
Limitations
The methodology might have limitations in detecting organisms with low metabolic activity or those requiring specific growth supplements not included in the media. Susceptibility testing is performed on positive cultures at an additional charge and should be interpreted with clinical presentation as it may not cover all possible resistance mechanisms.
New York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 97758-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-43 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1-5 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Bactec Myco/F Lytic bottle
Collection Instructions
Aseptic draw.
Storage Instructions
Transport at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |