Culture, AFB, Miscellaneous

Test ID LAB877
EPIC Order CULTURE AFB
CPT Code(s) 87116
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Clinical Microbiology: 984-974-1805
Tube Station 82
Specimen Routine: See Table Below
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.

Specimen Requirements, AFB: Miscellaneous Sites

Specimen Type or Site Additional Comments Volume/Method of Collection Transport Container (NOTE: No Preservatives)
Aspirate 1-5 mL/Needle and Syringe
Luer-lock capped syringe; NO NEEDLE ATTACHED or sterile cup; no aspirate material on swabs will be accepted
Biospy/Punch biopsy AFB culture of diabetic foot specimens has limited clinical utility and is not recommended. See article here for more information.  1 gm Tissue Sterile Vial, Tube, or Cup with a few drops of STERILE saline to maintain moisture.
Bone Marrow Aspirate 3-5 mL Call Microbiology, 4-1805 prior to collection
Gastric Aspirate or Lavage 5-10 mL

Sterile Cup; TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY to Lab for neutralization of pH

Refer to: Gastric Aspirate for Tuberculosis (TB) Cultures instructions for collection
Swabs:

Not acceptable for AFB culture see Numbered Memo Micro #130
Send biopsy/punch or aspirate material

Call Microbiology with questions

984-974-1805

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 05, 2025

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