Preliminary results on all cultures are reported in 12-24 hours. Negative cultures are reported after 6 weeks.
Test Updated:
AFBS
Sputum Culture, AFB
Culture, Sputum, AFB
Mycobacteria Culture, Sputum
TB Culture, Sputum
AFB Smear and Culture
BAFB
AFB BTA CULTURE
Acid Fast Bacilli Culture, Sputum
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Test Overview
BD MGIT, 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. The patient should be instructed to remove dentures, rinse mouth with water and cough deeply, expectorating sputum into the sputum collection cup. First morning sputum yields best recovery of AFB. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection; do not incubate. Specify specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy, and clinical diagnosis. Do not submit more than four specimens in one 7 day period unless by prior arrangement.
The patient should be instructed to remove dentures, rinse mouth with water and cough deeply, expectorating sputum into the sputum collection cup. First morning sputum yields best recovery of AFB. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection; do not incubate. May be refrigerated up to 24 hrs. Specify specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy, and clinical diagnosis. Do not submit more than four specimens in one 7 day period unless by prior arrangement. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the client will be notified and another specimen will be requested before disposal of the specimen.