Sputum Stain for Mycobacteria
Alternate Names : Acid Fast Bacilli Stain, AFB Stain, TB Smear, Tuberculosis Smear
Pictures & Images
Sputum Test
A sputum sample is obtained by coughing deeply and expelling the material that comes from the lungs into a sterile cup. The sample is taken to a labarotory and placed in a medium under conditions that allow the organisms to grow. A positive culture may identify disease-producing organisms that may help diagnose bronchitis, tuberculosis, a lung abscess, or pneumonia.
|