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  1. Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test

    If your AFB smear was positive, it means you probably have TB or other infection, but an AFB culture is needed confirm the diagnosis. Culture results can take several weeks, so your …

  2. AFB Stain: How this test can detect tuberculosis and more - WebMD

    Apr 27, 2025 · In addition to showing tuberculosis, an AFB stain can also show if you have another kind of mycobacterial infection like leprosy or a TB-like disease that can affect people …

  3. Sputum Culture- What does AFB Smear Positive mean?

    Apr 13, 2022 · Positive means mycobacterium detected during a short incubation. Then the specimen is sent for a longer term growing out of the bacteria in a culture medium. This can …

  4. Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Test: Overview, Symptoms, and …

    The results of the AFB test are typically reported as: Positive: The presence of acid-fast bacteria is detected, indicating a possible diagnosis of TB or other mycobacterial infection.

  5. Acid fast bacilli culture - Pathology Tests Explained

    A positive AFB smear or culture several weeks after drug treatment has started may mean that the treatment regimen is not effective and needs to be changed. A positive culture means that …

  6. Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center

    A positive AFB culture several weeks after medicine treatment has started may mean the antibiotic is not working and needs to be changed. It also means you are still likely to be …

  7. Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Smear Testing: What You Need to Know

    Sep 4, 2025 · What does the test result mean? Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-positive sputum is usually the first indication of mycobacterial infection and potential TB disease.

  8. TB 101 - 5. Bacteriological Examination – Examination of Smears for AFB

    Using a microscope, laboratory personnel look for AFB. If AFB are found on a sputum smear, it often indicates TB disease (smear positive). However, a positive smear does not confirm a …

  9. Acid-Fast Bacilli Staining: Essential Test for TB Diagnosis

    A positive *AFB stain result* indicates the presence of acid-fast bacteria in your sample. This is often linked to infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for …

  10. What is an AFB test? What does a positive AFB mean?

    An Acid Fast Bacillus AFB test will be able to provide insight on whether you are currently dealing with an infection. The acid fast bacteria test positive result can indicate that you may have an …