Alert

Effective Jan. 5, 2026: Temporary Age-Based Visitor Restrictions at UNC Health for all inpatient and waiting areas throughout its inpatient hospitals.

Read More

Culture, AFB, Fluids

Test ID   LAB877
EPIC Order
   AFB FLUID CULTURE
CPT Code(s)   87116
Group/Individual Test   Individual
Laboratory   Clinical Microbiology; 984-974-1830
Tube Station   82
Specimen Routine: See Table Below
AFB Smear:   Yes
Turnaround Time   Cultures held for 6 weeks
Comments
  • This test includes a culture for Nocardia spp.
  • For sites within UNC Medical Center, deliver within 2 hours of collection.
  • For sites outside of UNC Medical Center, specimens are acceptable if refrigerated and received within 5 days of collection.
  • See Reference notes below.

Specimen Requirements, AFB: Fluids

Specimen Type or Site Comments Volume/Method of Collection Transport Container (NOTE: No Preservatives)
CSF (Spinal Fluid)   5 mL Minimum Sterile Tube 
Fluids:  Pericardial; Peritoneal, Pleural, etc. 
Grossly bloody pericardial fluid
not suitable for AFB smear
 As Much as Possible, but Not more than 100 mL Sterile Tube or Cup

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 05, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514