Culture, AFB, Respiratory

Test ID LAB877
EPIC Order
 Culture, AFB
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
Availability Routine: Specimens received in lab by 8:00 Mon-Fri will have smear results by 17:00 the same day. If an AFB smear is needed on Saturday or Sunday, please call the Microbiology Lab (984) 974-1805 for a lab director consult.
STAT: NA
Turnaround Time Culture held for 6 weeks
Reference Range Normal: Negative
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.

NOTE: Sputum or tracheal aspirate samples collected less than 8 hours apart will be canceled per the NC Tuberculosis Manual.

First-time AFB smear positive or indeterminate respiratory specimens are reflexed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex NAAT testing

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex NAAT

Specimen Requirements, AFB: Respiratory

Specimen Type or Site Volume/Method of Collection Transport Container
Bronchial Brush or Bartlett Brush Brush Sterile Tube with 0.5mL STERILE saline
Bronchial Washing 5mL Sterile Container
Sputum, Tracheal Aspirate* 5-10mL Sterile Cup
Deep Pharyngeal (CF Patients) One swab Regular eSwab (Lawson #309762)
*A maximum of three specimens, collected at no less than 8 hour intervals (at least one in the early morning) will be accepted for culture. Physicians will be notified of duplicate specimens. Subsequent specimens submitted after a bronchoscopy or after therapy is initiated will be accepted.

Reviewed by J. Carr on January 21, 2026

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