AFB - Smear
AFB – Acid Fast Bacillus is a kind of bacteria that is the causative agent for TUBERCULOSIS (TB) and other infections. TB causes serious health complications to the lungs, brain, bones such as the spine, and kidneys. As per the physician’s recommendations or pathologist, sample specimen is collected from various places such as blood, urine, phlegm for this test for diagnosing tuberculosis and similar infections such as leprosy. In this AFB Smear, the specimen is smeared and examined for acid-fast positive tubercular bacteria under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis or other infections.
ACID FAST BACILLUS (AFB) - SMEAR:
AFB smear for mycobacteria is performed in the laboratory on specimen samples such as sputum, phlegm, etc. AFB diagnostic tests are usually done for screening for mycobacterial infections such as TB, Leprosy, etc.
The principle of the acid-fast test is that the organisms lack lipoidal material in their cell wall due to which they easily decolorize, leaving cells colorless, then the smear is stained with counterstain methylene blue which helps in detection. Hence Mycobacterium and Nocardial species are called acid-fast because during the acid-fast staining procedure they retain primary dye carbol fuchsin despite de-colorization with powerful solvent acid-alcohol.
Other tests include interferon-gamma release assay, Mantoux test. PCR etc.
General instructions:
Sample Requirement: Aspiration from the local site as directed by the pathologist for microscopic examination. Test Preparation: none.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presentingcomplaints / signs or symptoms:
SPECIMENREQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory “RTDIAGNOSTICS” provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centers to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
