Acid Fast Bacilli Concentration (AFB CON)

Test Information:
Acid fast stains are used to differentiate acid fast organisms such as mycobacteria. Detection of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in stained and acid-washed smears examined microscopically may provide the initial bacteriologic evidence of the presence of mycobacteria in a clinical specimen. This test uses Kinyoun method of staining.

Specimen Container:
Sterile Conical Tube or Sterile Container

Specimen Type:

1. 1. Sputum
   2. Lower respiratory samples (ex. ETA and TA)
   3. Urine
   4. Stool
   5. Aspirates and discharges
   6. Tissues or mass
   7. Sterile body fluids
   8. Other body fluids
      

Required Volume:
•Urine: 60mL
•Stool : Pea size
•Other samples: 3 to 5mL

Patient Preparation:
• No Patient Preparation

Notes:

• For sputum sample, preferably early morning for 2 consecutive days or spot testing with at least 1 hour apart.
• For Urine samples; at least 60mL first morning specimen in a sterile container.
• Other samples, no preparation needed.
• Please indicate Time and Date of Collection.
• Swabs are not acceptable.
• For CSF and BMA smears, test code will be JAFBSD

Storage & Stability
(Before Processing)

• For sputum, lower respiratory specimen, urine and stool samples:
Storage: 2 to 8°C
Stability: 24 hours

• Other specimen type:
Storage: 2 to 8°C
Stability: 7 days

Transport Temperature:
Ref (2˚C – 8˚C)

Test Category:
Routine

Test Schedule:
Daily (Processing of samples start at 1400H)
Cut off: 1900H

Results Availability:
•Within 6 hours if received before cut-off
•Specimen received beyond cut-off will be released within 48 hours.