Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Report Format
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What is the AFB Test?
The Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) test is a diagnostic procedure used to detect the presence of mycobacteria, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB).
What is an AFB Report Format?
An AFB report provides results based on microscopic examination or culture, indicating whether acid-fast bacilli are present in the sample and helping confirm or rule out TB infection.
Tests Included in AFB Report
Test | Description |
AFB Smear | Detects acid-fast bacilli using special staining techniques like Ziehl-Neelsen or Auramine. |
AFB Culture | Grows mycobacteria from the specimen for species identification and drug susceptibility. |
Key Parts of an AFB Report
Key Part | Description |
Specimen Type | Specifies the sample tested—sputum, pus, lymph node aspirate, urine, etc. |
Smear Result | Indicates whether acid-fast bacilli were seen under the microscope. |
Culture Result | Shows growth or no growth of mycobacteria and time taken to detect. |
Grading | For smear-positive cases, bacilli are graded based on quantity seen. |
Interpretation | Describes the result and its relevance to active or latent TB infection. |
AFB Smear Grading Scale
Grading | Microscopy Result |
Negative | No bacilli seen in 100 fields |
Scanty | 1–9 bacilli per 100 fields |
1+ | 10–99 bacilli per 100 fields |
2+ | 1–10 bacilli per field (in at least 50 fields) |
3+ | More than 10 bacilli per field (in at least 20 fields) |
Parameters to Consider in AFB Report
Parameter | Interpretation |
Positive Smear | Strongly suggests active TB, especially in pulmonary cases. |
Negative Smear | Does not rule out TB; culture and clinical correlation are essential. |
Culture Positive | Confirms TB; allows drug sensitivity testing. |
Drug Resistance | Requires further analysis if culture is positive. |
Guidelines for AFB Report Format
Guideline | Description |
Clear Sample Info | Always mention the type and quality of the specimen collected. |
Result Clarity | Indicate “AFB not seen” or specific grading if positive. |
Turnaround Time | Note that culture may take 2–8 weeks depending on the method. |
What Do the Results Mean?
Result Type | Interpretation |
AFB Detected | Suggests mycobacterial infection; likely tuberculosis or related disease. |
AFB Not Detected | No visible bacilli; TB not ruled out without further testing. |
Culture Positive | Confirms TB and enables further classification and drug testing. |
AFB Report Interpretation
Test | Interpretation |
AFB | Detects acid-fast bacilli for diagnosis and monitoring of tuberculosis or related infections. |
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