AFB C/S (Peritoneal Fluid for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis)

Specimen Required

PERITONEAL FLUID

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

The test may be ordered if a person has symptoms of tuberculosis that may affect the abdomen, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and fever. 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 peritoneum.

When this test is required

The test may be requested when a person has symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis, or if they have a known exposure to someone with tuberculosis. The test may also be ordered if other tests, such as a tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray, suggest that tuberculosis may be present in the body.

What the Test Detects

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

Preparation for the Test

No specific preparation is typically required for the test, but the procedure to collect the peritoneal fluid may require fasting beforehand. It is important to follow any instructions provided by the healthcare provider performing the procedure.

Sample Requirements

To perform the test, a sample of peritoneal fluid is collected through a procedure called paracentesis, in which a needle is inserted through the abdominal wall to obtain the fluid. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Additional Notes

It is important to note that the AFB C/S test is not a rapid test and may take several weeks to provide results. In addition, a negative test does not necessarily rule out tuberculosis, as the bacteria may be present in low levels that are not detectable by the test. Therefore, other diagnostic tests may be necessary to confirm or rule out tuberculosis.

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