Test Code CUAFBBC Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Blood Culture
Specimen Requirements
Blood
Container/Tube: BACTECTM Myco/F Lytic blood culture bottle
Specimen Volume: 1 mL to 5 mL of whole blood
Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:
1. Sterilize top of blood culture bottle with alcohol.
2. Apply tourniquet to patient’s arm.
3. Palpate area to locate vein.
4. Sterilize area with alcohol and then 2 iodine swabs; let site dry for ≥1 minute. Do not palpate vein after sterilizing area.
5. Draw blood and inoculate into blood culture bottle. Mix blood by inverting bottle 4 or 5 times.
Note: 1. Label bottle with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of draw.
2. Specimen source is required.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Performing Laboratory
The Valley Hospital