Preliminary results are reported in 12-24 hours, Monday - Saturday. The health care provider will be notified of positive smears. STAT smears are not done routinely and are not recommended on unconcentrated specimens due to the low number of organisms. Contact the MLabs office if there is a special need for a STAT smear.
Test Updated:
AFBS
Atypical Mycobacteria Smear
Auramine Stain
Fluorescent Stain, AFB
Kinyoun Stain
Mycobacteria Smear
TB Smear
AFB SMEAR ONLY
Acid Fast Bacilli Smear
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Test Overview
Microscopic Exam
Determine presence of mycobacteria
No mycobacteria seen on smear. Positive smears will be quantitated and reported as: rare (1-3 bacilli in entire smear), few (4-9 bacilli in entire smear), moderate (>10 bacilli in entire smear), or numerous (1 or more bacilli per high power field).
* 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. Appropriate specimen for smear is the same as for culture. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection; specimen may be refrigerated up to 72 hours. Do not incubate. Indicate specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy, and clinical diagnosis.
Appropriate specimen for smear is the same as for culture. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection; specimen may be refrigerated up to 72 hours. Do not incubate. Indicate specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy, and clinical diagnosis.