Synonyms

AFB, TB

Test Includes

Microscopy for acid fast bacilli
Culture for Mycobacteria

Request Form 

Microbiology form (Green)

Availability

On request

Specific Criteria

Please give detailed clinical information, including date of onset/contact with the suspected infection, and any current, or intended, antibiotic therapy

Turnaround Time

Microscopy - Next normal working day
Culture - up to six weeks for a negative report

Specimen

Dependent on site of suspected infection

Container

Sputum - White capped universal
Pleural Fluid - White capped universal
Urine - Three complete early morning urine samples taken on separate days, in special containers available from the Microbiology Department (ext. 3557)
Other Fluids or Pus - White capped universal

Collection

Sample should be transported to Microbiology as soon as possible

Lab. Handling

Process as soon as possible

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample