Acid Fast Bacillus (AFB) Identification Rapid test

AFB Identification, Rapid Test Overview

An Acid-Fast Bacillus test or AFB test are used by doctors to detect any active infection caused by AFBs. This is also why the test is known as an acid-fast bacillus identification test. The rapid part of the test ensures that the reports are generated quickly to help doctors identify infections and start treatment accordingly. The test can be performed using both blood and saliva (sputum) samples. The underlying condition that’s caused by AFB infections is tuberculosis. An active TB infection can have serious medical risks for the patient, so getting a timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

Why Is An AFB Identification Rapid Test Prescribed?

An acid-fast bacillus test is prescribed by doctors when the suspect TB infections in patients. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious medical condition, and the acid-fast bacillus rapid test is ordered on the basis of presented symptoms only. Here are some of the symptoms that warrant doctors to prescribe this test.

• Chronic cough

• High fever

• Chest pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Bone pain

• Night sweats

• Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting

An acid-fast bacillus test at Aster Labs can allow patients to get their results within the same day. This is made possible by performing the test using the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) methodology. This ensures the results are accurate while also offering quick report delivery to patients.

Components of An AFB Identification, Rapid Test

The results of an acid-fast bacillus rapid test are expressed as either positive or negative of an active AFB infection. Based on the test results, doctors can also conclude whether you have tuberculosis or not. Positive acid-fast bacillus test results may indicate a possible tuberculosis infection. However, further testing may be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis. A negative acid-fast bacillus identification test result can generally mean no presence of an active TB infection. 

Procedure and Prerequisites

An acid-fast bacillus rapid test can be performed by either collecting an early morning mucus sample from the patient as sputum or by blood sample. You can learn more about the sample collection process from our experts at Aster Labs. There are no special prerequisites to be followed for an acid-fast bacillus test by patients.