Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Stain Test, Miscellaneous

AFB Stain, Miscellaneous Test Overview

An acid-fast bacillus stain or AFB stain test is used by doctors to check for the presence of active mycobacterial infections, including highly contagious conditions like tuberculosis. The “miscellaneous” tag used in the test name refers to the test being used by doctors also to monitor the efficacy of treatment in patients with active tuberculosis infections. The AFB stain test is used in the diagnostic process of various conditions like leprosy and mycobacterium avium that affect HIV patients.

Why Is An AFB Stain, Miscellaneous Test Prescribed?

The acid-fast bacillus stain test is prescribed by doctors to diagnose conditions like tuberculosis, primarily. When patients present certain symptoms that resemble ones of tuberculosis, doctors can prescribe the AFB stain test. This test is generally not prescribed as a day-to-day screening test. Here are the symptoms that warrant doctors to prescribe an acid-fast bacilli stain test.

• Chronic cough that wouldn’t subside

• Fever and fatigue that won’t go away

• Chest pain and difficulty breathing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Rashes on the skin

Based on the test results, an acid-fast bacillus stain test can help doctors diagnose an active tuberculosis infection, which requires thorough and timely medical treatment.

Components of An AFB Stain, Miscellaneous Test

The results of an acid-fast bacillus stain test are expressed as either positive or negative. A positive test result on an acid-fast bacilli stain test generally indicates an active mycobacterial infection; this includes conditions like tuberculosis. For patients with an active infection, this means the treatment may be effective, but the infection hasn’t gone away yet. A negative AFB stain test result generally means no presence of an active tuberculosis infection. Doctors can study the test results and accordingly create a treatment plan or modify existing treatment. Further testing may also be prescribed in cases of negative acid-fast bacillus stain test results.

Procedure and Prerequisites

The AFB stain test is performed by collecting a small amount of phlegm or mucus in the form of sputum from the patient’s mouth. The sample is then sent for testing with reports delivered on the same day at Aster Labs. There are no special prerequisites patients need to follow before undergoing an acid-fast bacilli stain test.