AFB Culture Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure & Results

Overview of AFB Culture Test

The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Culture test is used to detect and identify bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis (TB) and other mycobacterial infections. The test uses sputum to check whether the bacteria will grow and then determine the presence of specific bacteria. Healthcare professionals usually suggest the AFB test for individuals showing symptoms of active tuberculosis (TB). 

They usually perform four tests to identify AFB: 

• AFB Smear: It is a rapid diagnostic test that checks for acid-fast bacilli such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum. First, the sample is stained and examined under a microscope to check for the presence of these bacteria. The test plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of TB, especially if you have active symptoms. 
• AFB Culture: This test is used to grow and identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical samples such as sputum, urine, or tissue. Compared to the AFB Smear, this test is more sensitive and can detect even small amounts of bacteria. The results may take weeks to confirm the TB diagnosis and determine antibiotic sensitivity. 
• Molecular Test: Also referred to as the CBNAAT or PCR test, the test detects the genetic material of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a sample. Additionally, the test checks whether the bacteria are resistant to key antibiotics like rifampicin, used to treat TB.
• Susceptibility Test: This test is usually ordered along with an AFB culture to determine the most effective antibiotic for treating your infection. 

TB (tuberculosis) is a severe bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. Nonetheless, the disease can spread to other parts of your body, such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. So, when a person with TB coughs or sneezes, the bacteria can spread through airborne droplets from one person to another. 

In latent TB (when germs are not active), the TB bacteria in your body do not make you feel sick and cannot spread to others. However, when the TB bacteria become active, symptoms can make you contagious to your friends and family. 

You can book the AFB culture test from Redcliffe Labs if you are experiencing symptoms like chills, fatigue, weight loss, headache, and night sweats. These are some common symptoms of TB that may prompt a doctor to suggest the test. 

We are India's widest home collection network, allowing you to submit your acid-fast bacilli testing sample from the comfort of your home. Call us directly at 8988988787 or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to schedule the test online at an affordable price. 

It is crucial to remember that TB spreads when someone with the infection sneezes, coughs, talks, or sings, making it a risk to others. Early detection offers significant benefits, including improved survival and outcomes, reduced need for invasive procedures, and lower healthcare costs. 

Test Details 

What is the purpose of the AFB Culture test?

AFB tests check for AFB bacteria in your thick mucus (sputum). It is coughed up from the lungs and is different from spit or saliva. Here is a breakdown of the primary purposes of the AFB tests: 

• Diagnosing Active Tuberculosis (TB): The AFB smear and culture test are primarily used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause TB. These bacteria are acid-fast because certain stains remain even after being washed with acid. If you have symptoms like a persistent cough, weight loss, fever, or night sweats, AFB testing helps confirm if TB is the cause. 
• Monitoring Treatment Progress: If you have TB, doctors use the AFB smear and culture tests to track the effectiveness of the treatment. A decrease in the number of bacteria over time in the sample suggests you are responding well to the treatment. 
• Detecting Drug Resistance: Another reason a doctor may recommend a TB culture and sensitivity test is to check for resistance to first-line anti-TB drugs like rifampicin. 
• Preventing the Spread of Infection: TB is highly contagious and can even spread through airborne droplets. The Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Smear test allows for prompt isolation and treatment. This reduces the risk of transmission to others. 
• Diagnosing Other Mycobacterial Infections: Additionally, the AFB culture test is used to detect non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that cause lung disease, skin infections, or disseminated infections. 

No matter the reason, if your doctor has suggested the AFB culture test based on your condition, get yourself tested immediately. It is because early diagnosis is key to controlling TB and preventing complications. 

What does the test detect?

The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacillus) culture test detects the presence of acid-fast bacteria, primarily Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The test also helps identify non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that may cause infections in your lungs, skin, or disseminated infections. These infections mainly occur if you have a weakened immune system. 

The AFB culture test allows these slow-growing bacteria to grow in the lab, making it easier to spot even minor infections. It can also aid in: 

• Confirming a TB diagnosis
• Identifying the specific mycobacterial strain. 
• Testing drug resistance (when combined with additional tests) 

Preparation for the AFB Culture Test

The preparation for the TB culture and sensitivity test is simple. Depending on the sample type, like sputum, urine, tissue, or blood, you should keep guidelines in mind to receive accurate results. General guidelines may include: 

• No fasting: You do not need to fast before the TB smear test from Redcliffe Labs. This allows you to eat your regular meals before the test is performed. Also, staying hydrated will make the blood collection process easier. 
• For sputum samples, It is the most common method and is usually performed in the morning. It is because sputum production is highest after waking up in the morning. Rinse your mouth with water before submitting the sample. However, avoid using mouthwash or brushing your teeth before sample collection, as it may contaminate the sample. Also, try to cough deeply from your chest. 
• Avoid drinking or smoking: Refrain from drinking or smoking 1-2 hours before sample collection. 

Procedure of the AFB testing

The AFB test is most commonly done using sputum samples, but if you have disseminated or extrapulmonary TB, or a weakened immune system, a blood sample may be collected to detect the presence of mycobacteria in the bloodstream. 

Additionally, the urine AFB culture may also be performed to detect extrapulmonary TB affecting the urinary system. 

1. To collect sputum samples: 

• The expert will ask you to take a deep breath. Then cough and spit into a sterile container. 
• If you have difficulty coughing up sputum, you may be asked to inhale a sterile saline solution to help produce sputum. 
• A bronchoscopy may be done using a lighted tube and numbing medicine to collect the sample painlessly.

Note: Giving a sputum sample by coughing into a container is safe. If you get a bronchoscopy, your throat might be sore afterward. Also, there's a slight chance of infection or bleeding at the sample site. 

2. To collect AFB using blood: 

• A trained phlebotomist will insert a needle in the vein around your inner elbow to draw blood. It is collected into a special culture vial/tube designed to promote bacterial growth. 
• To help the slow-growing mycobacteria (like Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in the blood sample grow, it's kept for a few days in a lab.
• Once there's enough growth, the bacteria are identified and tested for antibiotic activity. 

Note: The AFB culture using blood just takes a few minutes and may cause slight discomfort at the needle site. 

3. To collect AFB using urine:

• Submit the first-morning midstream urine sample, containing a higher concentration of bacteria.
• Your submitted urine sample will be cultured in a lab in a special medium to allow slow-growing mycobacteria to grow. 

Note: Maintain proper hygiene to avoid contamination. 

What do the test reports indicate?

AFB smear and AFB culture tests are performed simultaneously. The reports are available in 44 days (6 weeks & 2 days) 

Negative Results: 

If your AFB smear or culture is negative, it shows you probably have no active TB. Nevertheless, it may also mean the sample did not have enough bacteria to make an accurate diagnosis. 

Positive Results: 

1. If your AFB smear test shows positive results, it indicates you probably have TB or another infection. A doctor may order an AFB culture to confirm the diagnosis. 
2. If your AFB culture test shows positive results, it indicates you have active TB or another infection. This test helps identify the type of infection you have. 
3. If the molecular AFB tests, such as CBNAAT (Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test), are positive, it means you probably have TB.

Furthermore, the specialist may order a susceptibility test to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. 

Who should take the AFB Culture test?

Healthcare providers usually suggest the acid-fast bacilli stain test to individuals with the following risk factors:

1. Having symptoms of active tuberculosis (TB): These may include: 

1. Persistent cough lasting more than 2-3 weeks: 
2. Chest pain
3. Blood in sputum
4. Weight loss
5. Fatigue
6. Fever
7. Night sweats
8. Chills

• Individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with TB
• Individuals who have abnormal chest X-rays or scans that suggest possible TB infection
• Individuals at higher risk due to occupation or living conditions, such as working in healthcare, prisoners, or residents of shelters, may be advised to take the test.
• Those who have a previous history of TB may need follow-up testing to track relapse or treatment effectiveness. 
• Individuals showing signs that may be caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), such as chronic lung disease or unexplained infections, may be advised to take the AFB culture test to determine if NTM-related infections are present.
• Individuals who are immunocompromised: These include HIV/ AIDS patients, those undergoing chemotherapy, or those taking immunosuppressive drugs. They are more likely to develop TB after exposure due to a weakened immune system. 
• Alcoholism & Intravenous drug use can weaken the immune system, putting individuals at higher risk. 
• People who have lived or traveled in TB-endemic areas such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe are at higher risk. Hence, their body are more vulnerable to TB infection. 
• Other risk factors include smoking; age extremes such as infants and the elderly; and chronic illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease, and malnutrition, all of which reduce the body's ability to fight infections like TB. 

What Are the Uses of the Test?

The AFB culture test/ TB NAAT test is used for: 

• Finding TB: The test checks if you have active tuberculosis by looking for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in samples such as saliva, urine, or tissue.
• Spotting other infections: It helps find non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, particularly in individuals with a weak immune system or lung issues.
• Determine bacterial load: To assess the severity of infection based on the amount of bacteria present.
• Tracks treatment progress: Repeated tests help you and professionals know whether TB medications are effective by monitoring the decrease in bacterial growth. 
• Checks for drug resistance: When combined with drug susceptibility testing, it helps identify if the bacteria are resistant to first-line anti-TB drugs like rifampicin. 

In this way, the test is crucial for both early detection and effective management of TB infection and related infections. 

Your Health Can't Wait- Get Tested Today from Redcliffe Labs! 

Redcliffe Labs offers an affordable AFB culture test price of INR 1200 only, making it easy on your wallet. Our phlebotomist will come to your house to pick up your sample, so it's 100% safe and clean. Don't delay your health check, as an accurate and timely diagnosis can prevent further complications and help you get the treatment at the right time. 

How to book a test online with us?

Download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to fix your appointment online with just a few clicks. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

Conclusion

The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Culture test is a critical diagnostic tool to check for tuberculosis (TB) and other infections caused by mycobacteria. It can tell you if you have Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it can also help doctors figure out if the TB germs are resistant to medicine and whether your treatment is working.

Getting checked early and knowing precisely what's going on means you can get the proper treatment fast, which lowers the chances of complications and helps keep the infection from spreading. 

If you have a persistent cough, fever, or weight loss, consult your doctor and consider getting tested early. Timely medical intervention could improve your health and even save your life.