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.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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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.
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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.
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
2 ml
2 ml
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Special Requirement:
If suspected TB - mark as Biohazard
If suspected TB - mark as Biohazard
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
N/A
N/A
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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Interpretation:
Must be received in lab <24 hrs after collection
Must be received in lab <24 hrs after collection
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Reference Ranges:
None available
None available
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C