Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

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Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other Mycobacterial species

Alternate names:

Acid fast stain, AFB, Mycobacteria, TB

Laboratory:

Referred Test

Test Code:

AFB

Specimen types:

Sputum
Bronchial Washings
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Fluid
Urine
Swab
Faeces
Blood

Container types:

TB Specimen Options
Urine
Blood Culture
CSF
Sterile Jar
Swab - blue top (Amies transport media)

Collection Instructions:

Sputum - three consecutive, early morning specimens

Urine - three consecutive, early morning specimens (50mL). Culture only; no smear.

Blood for MAC in immunosuppressed/positive patients - add 7mL blood to one MB/BacT bottle. Media available from Pathology.

Bone Marrow - as for blood

Other specimens - eg: Bronchial washings, tissues, fluids (CSF, pleural, ascitic, etc),

gastric lavage, pus.

Faeces and swabs - are generally not accepted due to low sensitivity.

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab


Sterile container

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

6-8 weeks

Laboratory Use Only

If EMR is not available, Pathology results are available from Auscare. If you do not have an Auscare login,please complete attached form. https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/Auscare%20access.pdf

Instruction on how to use Auscare - https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/Auscare%20instructions.pdf

SPECIMEN COLLECTION MODULE (SCM) FAQs - CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for a consent form to perform tests not covered by Medicare

TURN AROUND TIMES - When will my result be available?

CLICK HERE for Minimum Labelling Requirements

CLICK HERE for a printable Pathology request form

CLICK HERE for a Log sheet for recording Pathology results

"THE ART OF CCCCOLLECTION"

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE PREFERRED ORDER OF DRAW