AFB Stain, Sputum (3 Samples)

Description

This test involves examining three separate sputum samples for the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB). It’s the recommended approach for initial screening of pulmonary tuberculosis, as it increases the sensitivity of detection compared to a single sample. The samples are typically collected over two or three days. Each sample is stained and examined under a microscope for the presence of acid-fast bacilli. This series of tests improves the chances of detecting mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially in cases where the bacterial load may be low or intermittent. It’s a crucial part of tuberculosis diagnosis and is often used in conjunction with culture tests and molecular methods for comprehensive evaluation.