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Direct AFB stain
Test CodeLAB266
Alias/See Also
AFBSD; AFB Smear
Instructions
For urine and sputum, collect early morning specimens. >/=2 mL Sputum, body fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, tissue, urine, gastric aspirate in a Sterile, leakproof container. Or a smear on a glass slide of any of the previously mentioned specimens. Do not fix slide.
Specimen Stability
Gastric lavage aspirates must be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible to be neutralized. Store urine and respiratory specimens at 2°C to 8°C. Store body fluid, tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and gastric aspirate at room temperature.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Nonsterile and/or leaking container; compromised storage
Methodology
Auramine rhodamine stain
Setup Schedule
Day shift: Sun-Sat
Clinical Significance
A direct acid-fast bacillus smear without a culture has a poor diagnostic value. The direct AFB smear is not the same as the AFB smear that is included with the AFB culture. Note: Only one Direct AFB Smear per episode is allowed.
