Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Stain – Price, Purpose, Range & Reports

Test Overview

The Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) stain is a vital diagnostic test used to detect bacteria from the Mycobacterium group, most notably Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the organism responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This test helps identify these bacteria by highlighting their unique waxy cell walls, which retain special dyes even after exposure to acid-based solutions. Under a microscope, they appear as bright red or pink rods against a contrasting background.

AFB staining offers a rapid, preliminary indication of infection and plays a key role in early diagnosis and treatment planning. A positive result may suggest active TB and prompt immediate medical action, while a negative result may require further testing if symptoms persist. If you are searching for a reliable Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) stain Test price or a convenient test near me, Apollo 24|7 provides accredited laboratory services with timely collection and secure, fast report access.

What is the Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Stain Test?

Also known as an AFB Smear or the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain, the AFB Stain is a foundational microbiological technique. It is used to quickly determine if a clinical sample contains organisms from the Mycobacterium genus.

The Principle of Acid-Fastness: Mycobacteria have thick, waxy cell walls rich in mycolic acid. When stained with a primary red dye (Carbol Fuchsin) and then exposed to a strong acid-alcohol solution, these waxy walls prevent the dye from being washed away (decolourised). Other, non-acid-fast bacteria and background cells lose the red colour. A contrasting blue or green dye is then used to colour the background. Under the microscope, acid-fast bacilli appear as distinct red/pink rods against the contrasting colour.
The AFB Stain is valued for its speed, delivering results within hours. However, it is an initial screening tool; it cannot distinguish between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other, non-infectious mycobacteria, nor can a single negative result definitively rule out TB.

What is the AFB Stain Test Price?

The AFB Stain Test price reflects the necessary precision and labour involved in the manual process, as the test requires careful, skilled examination by a technologist. The cost is determined by factors such as:

• Manual Examination: The test is highly dependent on a skilled technician meticulously screening hundreds of microscopic fields, which requires intensive, dedicated time.
• Location and Logistics: Regional differences in laboratory operating costs and logistics can slightly influence the final price.
• Collection Service: The cost may vary if you choose convenient home sample collection compared to a lab visit.
• Quality Assurance: Utilising NABL-accredited labs, like those associated with Apollo, ensures high standards for test accuracy and reliability, which is critical for infectious disease diagnosis.

To find the current, most accurate AFB Stain Test price for your area, you should check the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application, which provides up-to-date pricing based on your location and any active offers.

Who Needs an AFB Stain Test?

A healthcare provider will typically order this test if a patient presents with symptoms or risk factors strongly indicative of active mycobacterial disease, especially Tuberculosis.

The test is commonly recommended for individuals experiencing:

• Chronic Cough: A persistent cough, often productive of phlegm, lasting for three weeks or more.
• Systemic Symptoms of TB: Unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, and significant, unintentional weight loss.
• Haemoptysis: Coughing up blood, which may signal advanced pulmonary TB.
• Immunosuppression: Patients with compromised immune systems (e.g., HIV positive, or on immunosuppressive drugs) who develop respiratory symptoms.
• Signs of Extra-pulmonary Infection: Swollen lymph nodes, unusual lesions, or neurological symptoms that could point to TB outside the lungs.

What is the Purpose of the Test?

The AFB Stain Test serves three primary, high-impact clinical objectives:

• Rapid Presumptive Diagnosis: To quickly confirm the presence of mycobacteria, which allows the healthcare team to isolate the patient and begin presumptive anti-TB drug therapy without delay.
• Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness: During treatment, serial AFB smears are used to track the bacterial load. A conversion from positive to negative is a key sign that the treatment regimen is successful.
• Assessing Infectivity: Patients with a positive AFB smear are generally considered highly infectious. The result is essential for initiating public health reporting and infection control measures immediately.

Components of the AFB Stain Test

The AFB Stain Test is a semi-quantitative assay performed on various biological fluids or tissues.

The key test measured is:

ACID-FAST BACILLI (AFB) COUNT: This is the measurement of the number of AFB observed per microscopic field of view, used to grade the infection's severity.

Understanding an AFB Stain Test Report

The AFB stain test is considered qualitative and semi-quantitative. This means it tells whether acid-fast bacteria are present and gives a rough estimate of how many are seen. Results are typically reported using the following scale:

Important Note: AFB stain results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. They will consider your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors before making a diagnosis or recommending treatment. Smear microscopy is a valuable screening tool, but it is not definitive on its own.

Preparation and Procedure for the AFB Stain Test

This test is simple and requires minimal preparation. It is often performed when tuberculosis or other mycobacterial infections are suspected, allowing for rapid preliminary diagnosis.

1. How is the Test Done?

The AFB Stain Test is typically performed on a sputum sample collected from a deep cough. In some cases, other specimens such as tissue biopsies, body fluids, or aspirates may be used depending on the site of infection. The sample is smeared onto a glass slide, stained using a special dye, and examined under a microscope by a trained laboratory professional.

2. Is Fasting Required for This Test?

No, fasting is not required for the AFB Stain Test. Since the test involves analysis of sputum or other body fluids (not blood), eating or drinking does not affect the result.

3. What Time of the Day Should I Undergo the Test?

You may undergo this test at any time of the day. However, early morning sputum samples are often preferred because they tend to contain a higher concentration of bacteria, improving the chances of detection.

4. How Frequently Should I Undergo the Test?

The AFB Stain Test may be ordered once for initial screening. In suspected or confirmed cases of tuberculosis, it may be repeated over two to three consecutive days to improve detection accuracy. Your doctor may also recommend follow-up tests, such as culture or NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) for confirmation and treatment planning.

5. Do I Need to Inform My Doctor About Medications?

Yes. It is essential to inform your doctor about any antibiotics or anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) medications you are currently taking. These drugs may reduce the number of bacteria in your sample, which can lead to a false-negative result on the AFB stain. Your doctor may advise you on the best timing for sample collection based on your treatment status.

Booking AFB Stain Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 provides a convenient and confidential way to schedule your AFB Stain Test and access your results quickly.

What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

• Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for the AFB STAIN test.
• Confirm the latest AFB Stain Test price for your city and click the 'Book Now' button.
• Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for the sample collection (home or lab visit).
• Complete the secure online payment. Confirmation details and preparation reminders will be sent instantly.

How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

• Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account using your registered phone number or email.
• Navigate to the 'Health Records' or 'My Reports' section on the dashboard.
• Click on your completed test name to view the detailed report immediately.
• You can easily view the entire report online or download it in PDF format to share with your physician.

Conclusion

The AFB Stain Test is a quick and important tool that helps doctors begin evaluating possible tuberculosis (TB). A positive result may lead to immediate steps like starting treatment and preventing the spread of infection. However, this test has its limits — it doesn’t confirm TB on its own. That’s why your doctor will always consider your symptoms, medical history, and follow up with more precise tests like culture or molecular diagnostics (such as NAAT) to identify the exact bacteria and plan the most effective treatment.
Understanding your test results is just the beginning. Your healthcare team will guide you through the next steps to ensure accurate diagnosis and long-term care.