Preliminary results are reported in 12-24 hours. The health care provider will be notified of positive cultures. Negative cultures are reported after 6 weeks.
Test Updated:
AFBS
Gastric Culture, AFB
Culture, Gastric, AFB
Mycobacteria Culture, Gastric
TB Culture, Gastric
AFB Smear and Culture
BAFB
AFB BTA CULTURE
Acid Fast Bacilli Culture, Gastric Fluid
Looking to order a test?
We’ve provided helpful links to make ordering easy.
Find a RequisitionAll specimens should be accompanied by a requisition.
Submitting SpecimensLearn about how to properly label and where to ship specimens.
Order Kits and SuppliesMLabs provides all the supplies necessary for the collection of specimens.
Test FAQVisit our provider FAQ and learn about common questions to ordering tests.
Test Overview
Culture
Isolate and identify mycobacteria
No growth of mycobacteria
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Specimen Requirements
Please contact the laboratory at 936-6877 for smear only or culture only requests. Follow procedure for gastric aspiration. MUST be collected on waking, from a fasting patient. Do not store. Send directly to the Microbiology Laboratory; must be received within 4 hours for neutralization. Rejection criteria: not received within 4 hours of collection, not first morning collection.
Perform gastric aspiration. The specimen must be collected on waking, from a fasting patient. Send the specimen within 4 hours of collection or neutralize the specimen to pH 6.5 - 7.5 within 4 hours of collection. Refrigerate and send neutralized specimen within 24 hours; indicate on the requisition that the specimen has been neutralized. Indicate specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy and clinical diagnosis. If unacceptable specimen is received, the client will be called and another specimen will be requested before disposal of the original specimen.
