AFB Smear & Culture
Microscopy and liquid culture for tuberculosis.
Also known as: AFB, acid fast bacilli, TB culture, MGIT, ZN stain
Price on request
This one is done at the centre — it cannot be collected at home. Find your nearest branch.
- Turnaround
- Smear same day; culture up to 6 weeks
- Preparation
- No fasting needed. Eat and drink normally.
- Sample
- In-clinic procedure
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About this test
The stained smear gives a quick answer but misses lighter infections. Liquid culture on the automated MGIT system is far more sensitive and remains the reference standard, and it is what drug sensitivity testing is performed on — the reason it is still done despite the wait.
What it measures
- Acid-fast bacilli on Ziehl-Neelsen or fluorescent stain
- Growth in liquid culture
- Drug susceptibility on isolates
A note on results. A single test is one part of a clinical picture, not a diagnosis. Discuss your report with a qualified doctor, who will read it alongside your history and examination.
Related to
- Fever & infection
- Lungs & breathing
Often ordered with this
Allergy Screening Panel
Measures specific IgE against a panel of common food and airborne allergens.
- 5–7 working days
- No fasting
- Home collection
ANCA & Anti-GBM Antibodies
The vasculitis panel, requested when the kidneys and lungs are both involved.
- 5–7 working days
- No fasting
- Home collection
Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Antibody)
Screens for exposure to hepatitis C.
- Same day
- No fasting
- Home collection