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Laboratory: Clinical Microbiology
Test Name:
MYCOBACTERIA (ACID-FAST BACILLI [AFB]), CULTURE
Test Code: AFB
Clinical Information:
Test Indications:
Specimens submitted for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) detection are processed to optimize the recovery and identification of Mycobacteria species (Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria).

Recommendations:
The specific specimen collection and processing guidelines differ based on the specimen source.  Please refer to the specimen-specific LIM entry for guidance on Mycobacterial (Acid-Fast Bacilli [AFB[) cultures.  LIM entries are detailed for Mycobacteria Blood culture, Mycobacteria Bone marrow culture, Mycobacteria Cutaneous culture, Mycobacteria Fluid culture, Mycobacteria Gastric aspirate, Mycobacteria Respiratory culture, Mycobacteria Stool culture, Mycobacteria Tissue culture, Mycobacteria Urine culture and Skin slits for M. leprae
Please contact the Mycobacteriology laboratory at 204-787-7652 if further guidance is required.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:
Referral:
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Availability:
Weekdays
Weekdays (Monday - Friday). Mycobacteriology cultures are only performed at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.
See Also:
More Information: