Acid Fast Bacilli Smear/Direct (DSSM) Test

Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) are rod-shaped bacteria that cause tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. They take their name from the “acid-fast” staining procedure required to view them properly under the microscope. This bacteria can lead to leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and other mycobacterial infections, including active tuberculosis, also known as TB.

People who have symptoms of active tuberculosis (TB) usually order AFB tests. This is because Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB, which affects the lungs and also spreads to other parts of the body, like the spine, kidneys, and brains, from person to person through coughing or sneezing.

If you have the following symptoms, you may have to get an AFB test:

•   Weight loss
•   Fever
•   Chills
•   Weakness
•   Long-lasting cough
•   Chest pain
•   Coughing up blood or thick mucous
•   Poor appetite
•   Swollen neck gland/s
•   Head pain
•   Joint pain
•   Coma
•   Back pain
•   Paralysis
  

The Importance of The Acid Bacilli Test

•   Detection and Diagnosis: The AFB test is crucial as it detects and diagnoses active pulmonary tuberculosis patients.
•   Identification of Other Mycobacterial Species: Although this test is associated with TB, it also identifies other mycobacterial species that cause infections and diseases.
•   Treatment Monitoring: The AFB test helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment for TB and other mycobacterial infections by tracking bacteria in the sputum or other samples.
•   A Crucial Role in Public Health: The quick identification of AFB helps inform public health response. This is also instrumental in health authorities’ implementing measures to control outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.

Acid Fast Bacillus Test

1. Book your test via our Virtual Lab.
2. Your healthcare provider will request you take a deep breath, cough, and spit into a sterile container. If you have difficulty producing a sample, you may be asked to breathe a sterile saline mist or have a bronchoscopy.
3. The sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
4. You will get your results in person or online via our website.

Additional Tests You Can Also Take

•   Executive Check-up: This is a holistic health assessment with tests and assessments. It will also help identify various health issues, including risk factors for infectious diseases.
•   Complete Blood Count Test: This test shows elevated white blood cell counts, denoting inflammatory response or infection. If a patient has respiratory or tuberculosis-related symptoms, an abnormal CBC test result can prompt further tests, including the AFB.
•   Urinalysis: This test analyzes a urine sample from the patient to get health insights. Although it does not assess AFB, it yields complementary information in the overall management and evaluation of the health of a patient who may have tuberculosis.

FAQs

What is the AFB test for?

The Acid Fast Bacillus test helps detect and diagnose infections and diseases (especially TB) caused by mycobacteria.

What infections are caused by acid-fast bacilli?

Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) causes tuberculosis (TB) and other mycobacterial infections, such as leprosy (Hansen’s disease).

How accurate is AFB for TB?

The AFB test is very accurate for TB testing, although some variables, like antibiotic use for mycobacterial infection, may also affect your results and result in a false positive. An AFB smear will only be positive if its bacteria culture is positive.

Reliable And Timely Results With Our Acid Fast Bacteria Test at Medi Linx!

When not treated, diseases associated with AFB, like TB, can be deadly. Thus, if you ever start experiencing symptoms linked to mycobacterial infections, be vigilant and book our AFB test today at Medi Linx Reference Laboratory Metro Manila!

We provide timely results and, with our services, can help you usher in an era of your best health yet!