Performed
Typically all days
Methodology
When appropriate, specimens are processed using a standard digestion/decontamination procedure. An acid fast smear is performed from the processed specimen using a florescent auramine stain. Specimens are cultured on three solid and one liquid media then incubated for 6 weeks. Mycobacteria or partially acid fast organisms are identified to the full extent possible, such as to the species or subspecies level (see AFB4 for further details).
Turnaround Time
- AFB Smear reported within 24 hours. Note that AFB smears are not performed for urine, stool, or blood.
- The final report for the AFB culture is issued at 6 weeks. Solid media cultures are read at 1, 3, and 6 weeks. Liquid media cultures are continuously monitored. Positive cultures are reported at the time of positivity and negative cultures are reported at 1, 3, and 6 weeks. In some cases, media may be incubated for up to 8 weeks and if positive, a supplemental report will be issued.
- Identification is reported within 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the method(s) used.
Lab Department
Infectious Disease Laboratory, Mycobacteriology
Synonyms
AFB3, mycobacterial smear, culture and identification
Related Tests
AFB7, AFB4
Smear and culture: Reference method, no special licensing required
Identification of AFB: NY State waiver is required.