AFB C/S (Nail for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis)

Specimen Required

NAIL

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

An AFB C/S test may be requested on a nail sample if a person has a suspected case of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which is tuberculosis that affects organs or tissues outside of the lungs. Symptoms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis may include skin lesions or ulcers, bone pain, or joint swelling.

When this test is required

The AFB C/S test on a nail sample may be requested when a person has symptoms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, such as skin lesions or ulcers, bone pain, or joint swelling. 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 tissue from an affected nail or other extrapulmonary site.

Preparation for the Test

There are usually no special preparations required for the AFB C/S test on a nail sample. However, it is important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for collecting the 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 on a nail sample requires a small sample of tissue from the affected area, which is collected using a sterile needle or scalpel.

Additional Notes

It is important to collect a good quality tissue sample for accurate testing. The healthcare provider may provide instructions on how to collect the sample, including using a sterile needle or scalpel to obtain tissue from the affected area. 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. It is important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment and to complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent the spread of the disease and avoid the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

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