Description
Also known as:
Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Testing
Sputum AFB test is for people suffering from:
Signs and symptoms of a lung infection, such as a chronic cough, weight loss, fever, chills, and weakness, that may be due to TB or a nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection Skin or other body site infection that may be due to mycobacteria
Main purpose of the Sputum AFB test:
To help diagnose tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by other Mycobacterium species, known as acid-fast bacilli (AFB), in people at risk of developing mycobacterial infections
Sample Required:
For suspected cases of tuberculosis lung infections, generally 3 sputum samples are collected early in the morning on different days
Test Preparation Required:
Sample to be collected in the sterile container provided by the laboratory or available in any medical shop
Reporting schedule:
Within 8 hours or check with the laboratory for report time.
