AFB C/S (Pericardial Fluid for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis)

Specimen Required

Pericardial Fluid

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

When this test is required

The test may be requested if a person has symptoms of tuberculosis that may affect the heart, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. 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 pericardium. The AFB C/S test may be ordered along with other tests, such as a biopsy or imaging studies, to help confirm a diagnosis of cardiac tuberculosis.

What the Test Detects

The AFB C/S (acid-fast bacilli culture and sensitivity) test on pericardial fluid is used to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, in the fluid that surrounds the heart.

Preparation for the Test

Before the pericardiocentesis procedure, the person may 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 remain in the hospital for a period of time to monitor for complications.

Sample Requirements

The AFB C/S test on pericardial fluid requires a sample of fluid from the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds the heart. This sample is typically obtained through a procedure called pericardiocentesis, in which a thin needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the pericardial sac to collect a sample of fluid.

Additional Notes

Cardiac tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis and is often difficult to diagnose. Other tests, such as imaging studies and a tuberculin skin test, may be used in conjunction with the AFB C/S test to diagnose the infection. Treatment of cardiac tuberculosis typically involves a combination of antibiotics and may require long-term therapy.

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