Lab tests
Fluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear) cost in California
Fluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear) is a lab test. Many labs sell tests directly to the public for a flat cash price, often far below hospital prices.
Typical cash price
In California
From 274 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $37.62 (most listed prices $9–$125).
Cheapest in California
- $1.68Source: USC Arcadia Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- Providence Mission Hospital - Mission ViejoFluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear)Facility fee only$1.92
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Providence Mission Hospital - Mission Viejo price file · checked Oct 2026 - Providence St Joseph Hospital OrangeFluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear)Facility fee only$1.92
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Providence St Joseph Hospital Orange price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1.92
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St Jude Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1.92
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St Mary Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2.04
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Petaluma Valley Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Providence St Joseph Hospital EurekaFluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear)Facility fee only$2.04
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Providence St Joseph Hospital Eureka price file · checked Oct 2026 - Queen of The Valley Medical CenterFluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear)Facility fee only$2.04
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Queen of The Valley Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2.04
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Redwood Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2.04
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Cottage Rehabilitation HospitalFluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear)Facility fee only$2.10
Doctor fees are billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Goleta Valley Cottage HospitalFluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear)Facility fee only$2.10
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Fluorescent or acid-fast stain smear (e.g. AFB smear)
Common questions
Do I need a doctor's order?
In most states, direct-to-consumer labs can sell many tests without a separate doctor visit. Some states and some tests still require an order.
Is the blood draw included?
Usually yes for lab stores and booking sites. Hospitals sometimes bill the draw (venipuncture) separately.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.