Mycobacterium, Culture, Blood
Test Code: 10526
CPT Code(s): 87116
Clinical significance: Since the mid-1980s and expanding size of the immunocompromised patient population, the incidence of septicemia caused by opportunistic pathogens such as yeast, fungi and mycobacteria has risen. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex and mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT), especially Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), have become resurgent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended that every effort must be made for laboratories to use the most rapid methods available for diagnostic mycobacteria testing. These recommendations include the use of a liquid medium for mycobacterial culture. The BD BACTEC fluorescent series instruments are designed for the rapid detection of microorganisms in clinical specimens.
Includes: This test does not include a primary smear.
If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge for each organism:
CPT code(s) 87118: Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight or
CPT code(s) 87153: AFB Sequencing
If TB is isolated for the first time or after three months after the first isolate from a patient, susceptibilities will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87190 per drug).
If other Mycobacteria species are isolated, appropriate susceptibilities can be performed at an additional charge if requested (CPT code(s): 87186 per organism).
Methodology: Continuous Monitoring Blood Culture System
Supply#: #BC04 Myco/F Lytic Fungal Blood Culture Bottle
Preferred specimen(s): 3-5 mL whole blood or bone marrow collected in a BD BACTEC™ Myco/F Lytic bottle
Transport container: Bactec Myco/F Lytic blood bottle
Transport temperature: Room temperature
Specimen stability:
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: Unacceptable
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject criteria:
- Any specimen other than BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic bottle
- Expired BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic bottle
For additional supply or collection information, please contact DLO's customer service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on ama guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.