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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)		TB Specimen Options
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

  

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

 

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form  

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide 
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions 

 

Feedback

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