Method of Collection:
Fluid In Sterile Container
Days for reporting:
Same Day
Reference:
Why is the Test Done?
Patients with acid fast bacilli smear- positive sputum may have nontuberculous mycobacteria rather than pulmonary tuberculosis, from all patients (adults and older children) suspected of having pulmonary or laryngeal tuberculosis, patients diagnosed with extra- pulmonary TB who are coughing or who have an abnormal chest x-ray, patients being evaluated for a positive TB skin test who are coughing or who have an abnormal chest x-ray. To help identify a mycobacterial infection; to diagnose tuberculosis (TB); to monitor the effectiveness of treatment if you have symptoms, such as a chronic cough, weight loss, fever, chills, and weakness, that may be due to TB or another mycobacterial infection; if your doctor suspects that you have active TB; if your doctor wants to monitor the effectiveness of TB treatment.
How to prepare for the Test:
Usually, three sputum samples are collected early in the morning on different days. If the patient is unable to produce sputum samples, a bronchoscope may be used to collect fluid during a procedure called a bronchoscopy. In children, gastric washings/ aspirates may be collected. Depending on symptoms, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), other body fluids, or biopsied tissue samples may be submitted for culture.
