Home
HelpTest Code MAS Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Smear
Additional Codes
| Epic Ordering Code | LAB266 |
|---|---|
| NBS code | LBC03764 |
| Service code | 23205 |
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one of the following
| Preferred: | |
| White sterile container | Eswab |
Specimen Type: Tissues, biopsies
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: As much as possible
Minimum Volume: 1.0 g
Specimen Type: Body fluids, aspirates, secretions
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: 10.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 2.0 mL
Specimen Type: Swab (varied sources)
Container/Tube: eSwab, M40 transystem Amies agar transport media (for non-NUH patients)
Volume: Entire swab
Collection Instructions: Do not share with other tests.
Please refer to eSwab Training Slides.
Specimen Stability and Condition
Preferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to NUH
| Specimen Type | All Types |
|---|---|
| Ambient | Submit sample to lab immediately |
| Refrigerate | Do not refrigerate sample |
| Unacceptable conditions |
Frozen
AFB smear will not be done for stool, urine, blood. |
Methodology
Microscopy
Days and Times Performed
Monday through Sunday, TAT 1 day
Reference Interval
Acid Fast Bacilli not seen on direct smear
Critical Values: Requesting clinician/ location will be informed of positive result
Testing Laboratory
National University Hospital
Clinical Microbiology, 67724343
Useful For
Presumptive diagnosis of Mycobacterium infection
Update
Last updated 8/9/2026
LOINC Code Information
72357-7