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HelpTest Code MAFC Culture and Sensitivity, Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB)
Infectious
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one of the following
Specimen Type: Sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: 5.0mL
Minimum Volume: 2.0mL
Collection Instructions: First morning, deep cough specimen is preferred.
Specimen Type: Urine
Container/Tube: 2 or more sterile containers without boric acid
Minimum Volume: At least 40mL
Collection Instructions: Submit first pass early morning urine in 2 or more sterile containers. Mid-stream, catheterized and 24-hour pooled urine are not advisable.
AFB smear is not performed for urine specimens.
Specimen Type: Gastric Washings, CSF, Peritoneal fluid, Pleural fluid, Synovial fluid, other fluids.
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: 10.0mL for CSF; 5.0mL for other fluids
Minimum Volume: 2.0mL
Collection Instructions: Gastric lavage should be collected before breakfast.
Specimen Type: Blood / Bone Marrow
Container/Tube: Green Top (Li Heparin)
Volume: 4.5mL
Collection Instructions: AFB smears is not performed for blood specimens.
Specimen Type: Bronchial Washings
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: 5.0mL
Minimum Volume: 2.0mL
Sample Stability
** Preferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to NUH **
| Specimen Type: | All Types |
|---|---|
| Ambient: | Submit sample to lab immediately |
| Refrigerate: | 1 day |
| Frozen: | Unacceptable |
Reference Interval
Acid fast bacilli not isolated after 6 weeks’ incubation in liquid medium and 8 weeks’ incubation in solid medium.
Call back values: Requesting clinician/ location will be informed of positive AFB smear or when Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex is isolated.
Days and Times Performed
Monday through Sunday, TAT 8 weeks
Methodology
Conventional Culture
Service Code
23053
Update
Last updated 13/3/2024
Unacceptable Condition
1) Stool
2) Blood or Bone marrow in EDTA tube
3) Frozen specimen
4) Urine less than 40mL
Testing Laboratory
National University Hospital
Clinical Microbiology, 67724343
Useful For
Diagnosis of Mycobacterium infection.