Please note that this site is unsupported on Internet Explorer, and may not function as intended.

We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox.

Test & Collection Guide

Pathology staff view

 New search...

Keyword Search:

Test name:

   

Manual search:

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

NUMBER

ALL

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

  

 

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%20user%20Form%20LIS.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 Consent form to perform tests not covered by Medicare

CLICK HERE for Minimum Labelling Requirements

For Microbiology Swab Collection https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/microbiology/Microbiology%20Swab%20Specimen%20Collection.pdf

Printable Pathology request form https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/2025%20A5%20referral%20slip_2%20pages.docx

"THE ART OF CCCCOLLECTION"

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE PREFERRED ORDER OF DRAW

 

Feedback

At Eastern Health Pathology, we value your feedback to help us provide you with a better service.  If you have any concerns, suggestions or compliments that you would like to share, please access the Eastern health feedback service on https://www.easternhealth.org.au/feedback/

 

Pathology Handbook

Test & Collection Guide