Stool For Afb

The Stool for Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Test is a laboratory examination used to detect acid-fast bacteria in a stool sample.

It may be requested by a healthcare professional when investigating suspected intestinal infection caused by mycobacteria, including possible intestinal tuberculosis.

What Does This Test Check?

The test examines a stool sample for the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB).

Depending on the laboratory method, examination may involve microscopic staining to identify acid-fast organisms.

The findings may help support further investigation but do not independently confirm or exclude tuberculosis.

Sample Requirements

• Sample Type: Stool

• Sample Quantity: To be confirmed by the laboratory.

• Collection Container: Clean, dry, leak-proof stool collection container.

• Collection Instructions: Collect the stool sample without contamination from urine, water, or other substances.

Patient Preparation

• No special dietary preparation is generally required.

• Follow the laboratory's specific collection instructions.

• Submit the sample promptly according to laboratory handling requirements.

Important Information

• Microscopic detection of AFB does not identify the exact mycobacterial species.

• A negative result does not completely exclude intestinal tuberculosis.

• Additional investigations, such as molecular testing or culture, may be required depending on clinical suspicion.

• Test availability and processing methods may vary between laboratories.

Reporting Time: To be confirmed by the laboratory.

Please confirm test availability and sample collection requirements with the laboratory before booking.