AFB C/S (Pancreatic Fluid for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis)

Specimen Required

Cystic Fluid

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

The test may be requested if a person has symptoms of tuberculosis that may affect the pancreas, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite. The test may also be requested if other tests, such as imaging studies or a tuberculin skin test, suggest that tuberculosis may be present in the pancreas.

When this test is required

The AFB C/S test on pancreatic fluid may be requested if a healthcare provider suspects that tuberculosis is present in the pancreas. This may occur if a person has a history of tuberculosis, has been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis, or has other risk factors for the disease. Other tests may also be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of tuberculosis.

What the Test Detects

The AFB C/S (acid-fast bacilli culture and sensitivity) test on pancreatic fluid is used to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, in the pancreas. The test involves collecting a sample of fluid from the pancreas during a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and analyzing it for the presence of the bacteria.

Preparation for the Test

Before the ERCP procedure, the person will need to fast for several hours to ensure that the stomach and intestines are empty. The healthcare provider may also recommend stopping certain medications before the procedure, such as blood-thinning medications, to reduce the risk of bleeding. After the procedure, the person may need to avoid eating or drinking for a period of time to allow the pancreas to recover.

Sample Requirements

The AFB C/S test on pancreatic fluid requires a sample of fluid from the pancreas. This sample is typically obtained during a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). During this procedure, a flexible tube is passed through the mouth and into the small intestine, and a small amount of fluid is collected from the pancreas using a thin needle.

Additional Notes

The AFB C/S test on pancreatic fluid requires a procedure called ERCP to collect a sample of fluid from the pancreas. ERCP is generally a safe procedure, but it does carry some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and pancreatitis. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with the healthcare provider before it is performed. It is also 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.

Selected Tests