AFB STAIN SPUTUM
MRP - ₹ 460
What is a AFB STAIN SPUTUM?
AFB Stain Sputum is a laboratory test that examines a sputum sample under a microscope for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), bacteria that retain special stains and include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the organism responsible for tuberculosis (TB). The test is needed when pulmonary TB or another mycobacterial infection is suspected, particularly in individuals with persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, or abnormal chest imaging.
Additional Information
| Also known as/ Other names: | Sputum AFB Smear Test, AFB Smear for Sputum, Sputum for Acid Fast Bacilli, Ziehl–Neelsen Stain – Sputum |
| Parameters: | 1 |
| Recommended for: | M/F/Others |
| Sample Type: | Sputum |
| Patient Preparation: | Early morning sample is preferred. |
| Reports: | Next Day |
FAQs
AFB stands for acid-fast bacilli. These bacteria retain certain stains even after treatment with an acid-based decolorizing solution, allowing them to be identified microscopically.
Not necessarily. A positive result indicates that acid-fast organisms were detected, but some non-tuberculous mycobacteria can also produce a positive result. Additional testing may be needed.
No. A negative smear does not completely exclude TB because the number of organisms in sputum may be too low for microscopic detection. Molecular or culture testing may be required.
Multiple specimens can improve the likelihood of detecting mycobacteria because the number of organisms may vary between samples. Your healthcare provider or TB program will determine the appropriate sampling schedule.
AFB smear uses microscopy to look for acid-fast organisms, while PCR detects genetic material from specific organisms. Molecular testing can provide more specific information about M. tuberculosis.
