SPUTUM AFB STAIN
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
60 mins collection
Not specified
Reports in
3 hrs
Measures
AFB microorganisms, Gram-positive and negative bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Identifies
Microorganisms especially acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum.
About The Test
What is the sputum AFB and Gram smear and why is it important?
The Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test is a laboratory investigation that inspects a sputum sample to determine the existence of AFB and other microorganisms within. This test is critical in the evaluation and treatment of respiratory infections with a focus on tuberculosis (TB) patients.
In this test, a technique termed microscopy is used. Here a sputum sample is stained with certain reagents that mark AFB. After the sample is stained, areas with AFB and other microorganisms are examined using a microscope.
Sputum AFB and Gram Stain Test – What Does the Test Measure?
The Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test measures the presence of:
1. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB)
2. Gram-positive bacilli
3. Gram-negative bacteria
4. Other microorganisms like: fungi, parasites, and viruses
When is the Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test Usually taken?
Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test is usually done when a patient shows signs of a respiratory infection like:
1. Cough
2. Pain in the chest area
3. Coughing up blood, green or yellow mucus
4. Extreme tiredness
5. Unexplained loss of weight
6. Profuse sweating at night
What Are the Risks or Limitations of Sputum AFB And Gram Stain Test?
The Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test is generally a safe and non-invasive test. With that said, here is a list of some of the risks and limitations:
1. The test may not show positive for every case of TB or other infections especially if your sputum sample is below the acceptable level.
2. The test might give a positive result when it shouldn’t for instance if the patient has been in contact with case of TB or other similar infections.
3. The test is not appropriate for patients with some medical underlying conditions like a bleeding disorder or respiratory failure.
List of Parameters
What Parameters Are Expected in Sputum AFB and Gram Stain Test?
Several parameters are evaluated in the Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test including:
1. Some AFB should be present
2. Some Gram-positive should be present
3. Some Gram-negative should be present
4. Other microorganisms (for example fungi, parasites, and viruses)
5. The sputum quality
Why This Test
Who Should Consider Getting the Sputum AFB And Gram Stain Test done?
The following groups of people should be guided to get the Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test:
1. Patients with symptoms of a respiratory infection
2. Patients with previous history of TB or close contact with one
3. Patients who have a suboptimal immune system like in HIV, AIDS or cancer
4. Patients on immunosuppressive therapy
Benefits
Advantages Associated with the Sputum AFB And Gram Stain Test Towards Your Health:
Some of the benefits of taking the Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test include:
1. Prompt diagnosis and management of TB and other respiratory infections
2. Follow up on the effectiveness of the treatment
3. Identification of TB and other infections in patients without symptoms
What Conditions Would the Sputum AFB And Gram Stain Test Be Able to Diagnose?
Sputum AFB and Grams Staining Test results can be used to diagnose these conditions.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Fungal infections
- Parasitic infections
- Viral infections
Test Preparation
Expectations for Sputum AFB and Gram Stain Tests
Prerequisites: None
Eligibility: Patients of all ages are allowed to take this test
Procedure on how to take the test:
1. Sputum must be collected in a sterile container.
2. The tube must be labelled with the patient's name, date of birth, and medical record number.
3. The sample must then be taken to the laboratory for examination.
Caution Prior to Test: None
Test Results
Interpreting The Result of Your Sputum AFB And Gram Staining Test Common findings of the AFB test and their interpretations are listed in the table below.
| Condition/Findings | Description | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| AFB positive | Presence of acid-fast bacilli in the sputum sample | Indicates TB or other mycobacterial infection. |
| Gram-positive bacteria | Presence of Gram-positive bacteria in the sputum sample | Indicates bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis. |
| Gram-negative bacteria | Presence of Gram-negative bacteria in the sputum sample | Indicates bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis |
| Fungi | Presence of fungal hyphae or spores in the sputum sample | Indicates fungal infection such as aspergillosis or candidiasis. |
| Parasites | Presence of parasitic ova or larvae in the sputum sample | Indicates parasitic infection such as paragonimiasis or strongyloidiasis. |
| Viruses | Presence of viral particles or antigens in the sputum sample | Indicates viral infection such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus. |
FAQs
What is the Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test?
Sputum AFB and Gram Stain test examines the sputum to check if there are acid fast bacilli (AFB) and other organisms in the sputum.
Why is the test important?
The test aids in diagnosing respiratory infections especially tuberculosis (TB) and helps in the management of the infections.
What are the risks and limitations of the test?
Sputum AFB test is safe and non-invasive; however, in some instance where the other infections or TB may not be detectable, it has the possibility of yielding false positive results.
What do I need to do to get ready for this test?
Whenever respiratory related examinations are needed, one must provide a sputum sample within a sealed container and send it directly for lab analysis.