Test Name: Blood Cultures, Mycobacterium 
Alternate Test Names AFB (Acid and alcohol fast bacilli)- blood; Atypical Mycobacteria (Mycobacterium avium complex; Mycobacteria investigation- blood; TB investigation- blood 
PLS Test Code BCTB  Laboratory Microbiology 
Specimen Blood  Analysis Performed On  
Container Blood culture bottles (BACTEC) Mycolytic  Container colour Red 
Multiple specimens  
Required Volume Adult (mL) 10  Req Vol Paediatric (mL) 0.5 
Reference Ranges  
Turnaround Time Routine 6 Weeks  Turnaround Time Urgent  
Turnaround Other  
Days test is performed Daily Monday to Friday  Transport Room temperature 
Special Requirements Mycolytic blood culture bottles are available from laboratory on request. DO NOT refrigerate under any circumstances. 
Patient Preparation None 
Collection Instructions See collection instructions for Blood cultures. 
Clinical Information  
Sent to Reference Laboratory No 
Ref Laboratory Name  
Estimated Patient Fee N/A 
Last Updated 25-Aug-2006 (Version: 1.00)