AFB tests are most often used to diagnose an active tuberculosis (TB) infection, especially after a positive result in a TB screening test. A TB screening test can't tell the difference between an …

Using a microscope, laboratory personnel look for AFB. If AFB are found on a sputum smear, it often indicates TB disease (smear positive). However, a positive smear does not confirm a …

Apr 26, 2025 · Your doctor may use an acid-fast bacteria (AFB) stain test to see if you have a lung disease like tuberculosis (TB).

Calculate your TB exposure risk with our free AFB test calculator. Learn about acid-fast bacilli screening, symptoms, and treatment options.

Sep 4, 2025 · The test looks for the presence of AFB bacteria in your sputum by microscopic examination of a fluorochrome stain of the clinical specimen. Who should get the test? …

Oct 18, 2025 · The Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) test is a laboratory procedure used to detect the presence of acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in a patient's sample.

Acid- Fast Bacilli (AFB) smear and culture are two separate tests always performed together at the MSPHL, Tuberculosis (TB) Unit. AFB smear refers to the microscopic examination of a …

The most common of these tests are an AFB smear and a nucleic acid amplification (NAA) test. Both of these also need a sample of your phlegm. The AFB smear will show whether acid-fast …

In this test, your sample is taken to a lab and put in a special environment to encourage the growth of bacteria. An AFB culture can positively confirm a diagnosis of TB or other infection.

Our laboratory provides AFB smear testing from sputum or other clinical specimens within 24 hours using fluorescent microscopy. These acid-fast bacilli assays are performed six days a …