Acid fast bacilli stain; AFB stain; Tuberculosis smear; TB smear, AFB Smear, Mycobacteria Smear, TB NAAT, Acid-Fast Bacillus Smear.
Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) is a type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis and other types of mycobacterial infections, such as leprosy (Hansen's disease). AFB tests are usually ordered for people with symptoms of active tuberculosis, commonly known as TB. TB is a serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs. But can also affect other parts of the body, including the brain, spine, and kidneys. TB bacteria spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing.
TB can be latent or active. If you have latent TB, you'll have TB bacteria in your body but won't feel sick and can't spread the disease to others because the germs aren't active. If you have active TB, you'll have symptoms of the disease and could spread the infection to others.
AFB tests look for FB bacteria in your sputum. Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. It is different from spit or saliva.
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The test is performed when your doctor suspects tuberculosis or other mycobacterium infection.
No special preparations required.
None
Same day or next day
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm known as "Vanipuncture".
Sample report in a format
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