Description
Why It’s Done:
The AFB Smear (ZN Only) test is used to:
• Provide a rapid, low-cost screening for tuberculosis (TB)
• Detect pulmonary TB through sputum examination
• Identify extrapulmonary TB using other specimen types (e.g., pleural fluid, lymph node aspirates)
• Monitor treatment response in diagnosed TB patients
• Support public health efforts by identifying infectious individuals
While less sensitive than culture or molecular tests, it is widely used in resource-limited settings and can detect high bacterial loads.
Preparation:
• No special preparation is needed.
• For sputum testing:
o Collect an early morning deep cough sample.
o Rinse the mouth with water before collection to minimize contamination.
o Use a sterile container provided by the lab.
• Other types of samples (e.g., pus, fluid, tissue) should be collected by a healthcare professional under sterile conditions.
