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

 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
Laboratory Notes:

Contact VIDRL 9342 9617

External Laboratory:
Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (V.I.D.R.L)
 External Laboratory details...

Pathology Handbook

Test & Collection Guide

Feedback

Eastern Health Pathology always welcomes the opportunity to improve the service we provide you.