Test ID: SAFB
Acid-Fast Smear for Mycobacterium
Specimen Type 
Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Varies
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions:
1. Sputum collection recommendations:
a. Collect 3 sputum specimens for acid-fast smears and culture in patients with clinical and chest X-ray findings compatible with tuberculosis.
b. These 3 samples should be collected at 8 to 24 hour intervals (24 hours when possible) and should include at least 1 first-morning specimen.
c. Specimens must be delivered to the laboratory promptly. Specimens that cannot be processed within 1 hour of collection should be refrigerated during transport and stored refrigerated in the laboratory prior to processing.
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Varies; If mycobacterial culture is also requested, then 1.5 mL for body fluid, 3 mL for respiratory specimen, or a pea-sized piece of fresh tissue. If smear only is requested, then 0.5 mL for body fluid, 3 mL for respiratory specimen, or a pea-sized piec
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | Blood or serum |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (see instructions) | 7 days |
| Ambient | 7 days |
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