For specimen types other than stool, a culture (see AFBHSC and
AFBBNM) is always performed with smear because smear alone has an
unacceptably low sensitivity for AFB detection.
Synonyms
Acid Fast, Acid Fast Smear, Acid Fast Stain, AFB Smear, AFB Stain, MAC, MAI, MTB, Mycobacteria Stain, TB, TB Stain, Tuberculosis Stain
Note:If stool AFB smear is
positive, AFB culture (AFBHC) is logged by requesting laboratory (UW-MT or HMC)
and performed by HMC Microbiology.
Bone Marrow: 2 prepared smears; or Wampole ISOLATOR 1.5 tube; or heparin or SPS or EDTA tube for AFB smears only.See AFBBNM for bone marrow AFB CULTURE
specimen requirements.
Handling Instructions
Transport smears in a slide container taped closed and labeled BIOHAZARD. Transport specimens within 1 hour at room temperature or within 24 hours at refrigerator temperature.
Quantity
Requested: see above
Minimum: 2 smears
Processing
Receiving Instructions
If specimen is not stool or bone marrow, Login: AFBHSC (AFB culture with smear)