AFB Staining, Sputum

AFB (Acid Fast Bacillus), Sputum staining is a test to detect Mycobacteria in a sample of sputum. You may need this test if you show signs and symptoms of suspected tubercular infection, such as a chronic cough, weight loss, fever, chills, and weakness, that may be due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or a nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. This test is also recommended if you are in a high-risk group , immunosuppressed, also can be used if you have a skin or other body site infection that may be due to mycobacteria. This test may also be done when you are undergoing treatment for TB. According to the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) guidelines, for suspected pulmonary TB, it is recommended to do sputum smear microscopy on two samples : either one spot and one early morning sample or two spot samples collected at least one hour apart under supervision.

Note: Testing on 2nd sample is to be separately booked on clinician advise.