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AFB Smear, Sputum

Test Name

AFB Smear, Sputum

Home Collection, Lab Visit

Test Code

A0005a

Test Components/ Genes/ Parameters

AFB- TB

Sample Report

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Test Information

TAT DETAILS

Daily by 9pm; Report within 4 hours

PRE-TEST INSTRUCTIONS

NA

CLINICAL UTILITY

To screen TB from clinical specimen

SPECIMEN STABILITY

48 hrs

METHODOLOGY

ZN Staining

STORAGE TEMPERATURE

2-8°C, Do not freeze

SPECIMEN TYPE

2ml sputum in sterile container

Frequently Asked Questions

AFB Smear, Sputum
To screen TB from clinical specimen
You may need an AFB test if you have symptoms of active TB like Cough that lasts for three weeks or more, Coughing up blood, Chest pain, Fever, Fatigue, Night sweats, Unexplained weight loss
In this test, your sample is “smeared” on a glass slide and looked at under a microscope. It can provide results within 24hrs. These results can show a possible or likely infection, but can’t provide a definite diagnosis.
Results indicate presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). However, AFB TB culture is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Alternatively, the patient can also go for TB-Genexpert.