Newcastle Laboratories

AFB/TB Culture

Clinical Background:

This test is a special stain used to identify the presence of mycobacteria. A positive stain is a rapid test that can indicate possible infection with mycobacteria but which must always be confirme...

This test is a special stain used to identify the presence of mycobacteria. A positive stain is a rapid test that can indicate possible infection with mycobacteria but which must always be confirmed by cultural methods. An AFB stain without a culture has a poor negative predictive value. An AFB Culture should be performed along with an AFB stain; this has a much higher negative predictive value.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Microbiology

    Microbiology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Sputum, respiratory samples, CSF, other fluid samples, Urine or biopsies in sterile Universal container.

    Sputum, respiratory samples, CSF, other fluid samples, Urine or biopsies in sterile Universal container.

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Sputum, respiratory samples, CSF, other fluid samples, Urine or biopsies in sterile Universal container.

    Sputum, respiratory samples, CSF, other fluid samples, Urine or biopsies in sterile Universal container.

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    5 ml

    5 ml

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    2 ml

    2 ml

  • Special Requirement:

    If suspected TB - mark as Biohazard

    If suspected TB - mark as Biohazard

  • Sample Stability:

    Stable for up to 24 hours

    Stable for up to 24 hours

  • Transport Requirements:

    Standard

    Standard

  • Add On Test:

    N/A

    N/A

  • Quality Assurance:

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

  • Interpretation:

    Must be received in lab <24 hrs after collection

    Must be received in lab <24 hrs after collection

  • Reference Ranges:

    None available

    None available

  • Factors Affecting Result:

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

Availability:

Performed daily during core hours

Turn Around:

AAFB Microscopy -24hrs.

Rapid Liquid Culture -35days.

Solid Culture- 8 weeks

Send To:

Department of Microbiology

Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN

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