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Microbiology Fever & Infection Home collection available

Sputum AFB

Parameters1 tested
SampleSputum
FastingNot required
Report inSame day

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn same day

About this test

Sputum AFB looks for TB germs in phlegm coughed up from the lungs, using a special stain and microscope.

Why is this test done?

  • Diagnose lung TB
  • Monitor response to TB treatment
  • Check if a TB patient is still infectious

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Cough for more than 2 weeks
  • Coughing up blood
  • Evening fever and night sweats
  • Weight loss

Normal range

AFB Not seen

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

Seeing AFB in sputum means lung TB is likely and the person may be infectious.

Common reasons
  • Pulmonary tuberculosis

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Cough up sputum

    Early in the morning, after rinsing your mouth, cough deeply and collect the sputum in the sterile container.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

Early morning, rinse mouth with water, cough deeply and spit the phlegm (not saliva) into the container.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a sputum sample. No special preparation needed.

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