AFB C/S (Milk for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis)

Specimen Required

MILK

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

AFB C/S testing is typically performed to diagnose tuberculosis or to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for tuberculosis. It may also be used to diagnose other mycobacterial infections, such as leprosy.

When this test is required

The AFB C/S test is typically requested when a person has symptoms of tuberculosis, such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The test may also be requested if a person has a positive result on a tuberculosis screening test or if they have been in close contact with someone who has active tuberculosis.

What the Test Detects

The AFB C/S (acid-fast bacilli culture and sensitivity) test is used to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, in a sample of sputum, blood, urine or other body fluids. The test is designed to grow the bacteria in the laboratory and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics.

Preparation for the Test

There are usually no special preparations required for the AFB C/S test. However, it is important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for collecting the sputum sample to ensure that the sample is of good quality and can be accurately tested. The provider may recommend avoiding food or drink for a certain amount of time before the test to minimize contamination of the sample.

Sample Requirements

The AFB C/S test requires a sample of sputum, which is the mucus and other material coughed up from the lungs. In some cases, a sample of other body fluids or tissues, such as blood or urine, may be collected.

Additional Notes

It is important to collect a good quality sputum sample for accurate testing. The healthcare provider may provide instructions on how to collect the sample, including coughing deeply and forcefully to bring up sputum from the lungs. In some cases, other tests, such as a chest X-ray or a tuberculin skin test, may also be needed to confirm a diagnosis of tuberculosis.

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