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AFB Rapid culture by MGIT - Pus, abscess and aspirates
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No Fasting Required
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MGIT culture for TB from pus or aspirated material.
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AFB Rapid Culture by MGIT - Pus Abscess and Aspirates
- Why is it done?
- Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in clinical specimens obtained from pus, abscesses, and aspirates
- Rapid identification of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) infections, including lymph node TB, abscess TB, and TB meningitis
- Diagnosis of suspected tuberculosis when conventional diagnostic methods are inconclusive or when rapid results are clinically urgent
- Evaluation of immune-compromised patients (HIV/AIDS) with suspected TB or mycobacterial infections
- Culture-based confirmation and drug susceptibility testing (DST) for mycobacterial infections
- Monitoring treatment response and identifying treatment failures in TB patients
- Normal Range
- Normal Result (Negative): No growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or other mycobacteria detected. Reported as 'No AFB isolated' or 'Negative for MTB'
- Abnormal Result (Positive): Growth of mycobacteria detected, typically reported as 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated' or identified species name. Graded based on time to detection (TTD) in days
- MGIT Grading System: 1+ (TTD 6-10 days), 2+ (TTD 11-15 days), 3+ (TTD 16-21 days), 4+ (TTD >21 days) - Higher grades indicate lower bacterial loads
- Contaminated Result: Growth of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) or environmental contaminants - requires clinical correlation
- Unit of Measurement: Time to Detection (TTD) in days; Grading scale 1+ to 4+
- Interpretation
- Positive Result Interpretation: Confirms active mycobacterial infection (usually tuberculosis). Early TTD (6-10 days) suggests higher bacterial burden. Results provide basis for initiating anti-TB therapy and performing drug susceptibility testing
- Negative Result Interpretation: Mycobacteria not detected in the specimen after complete culture period (typically 6 weeks). Does not completely exclude TB; may indicate low bacterial load, inadequate sample collection, improper handling, or non-tuberculous infection
- Time to Detection (TTD) Clinical Significance: Rapid detection (early positive, <10 days) indicates high mycobacterial load and more severe infection. Delayed positivity (>21 days) suggests lower bacterial burden or slow-growing organisms. MGIT system can detect MTB faster than conventional media
- Factors Affecting Interpretation: Quality and quantity of specimen, timing of collection relative to symptom onset, prior anti-TB therapy, immune status of patient, presence of mixed infections
- Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): MGIT may isolate NTM (MAC, M. marinum, etc.). Species identification through molecular or biochemical methods is necessary to differentiate from MTB and guide appropriate therapy
- Clinical Correlation Essential: Results must be interpreted alongside clinical presentation, imaging findings, and AFB smear microscopy results for accurate diagnosis
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Affected: Lymphatic system, central nervous system (CNS), subcutaneous tissues, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal tract, and other extrapulmonary sites
- Diseases Associated with Positive Results: Tuberculosis (TB) lymphadenitis, TB meningitis, TB spondylitis, TB osteomyelitis, TB pericarditis, disseminated TB (in HIV/AIDS patients), cutaneous TB
- Clinical Conditions in Extrapulmonary TB: Fever, weight loss, night sweats, localized swelling, lymphadenopathy, signs of CNS involvement (headache, meningitis), spinal pain and neurological deficits, joint/bone pain
- High-Risk Populations: HIV/AIDS patients (CD4 <200 cells/μL), immunosuppressed patients, contacts of TB patients, healthcare workers, prison inmates, diabetes patients, end-stage renal disease patients
- Potential Complications if Untreated: Progressive organ dysfunction, neurological deficits (paralysis), spinal cord compression, disseminated disease, sepsis, organ failure, death if treatment is delayed
- Follow-up Tests
- Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST): Performed on all positive isolates to assess susceptibility to first-line TB drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) and identify drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB)
- Species Identification: Molecular testing (PCR, line probe assay) or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis from non-tuberculous mycobacteria
- AFB Smear Microscopy: Parallel testing using Ziehl-Neelsen or fluorescent staining to assess bacterial load and confirm culture results
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF or Similar Molecular Tests: Rapid PCR-based testing for simultaneous detection of MTB and rifampicin resistance, often performed in parallel with culture
- Chest X-ray or Imaging Studies: CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to visualize extent of disease and assess for complications in affected organs
- HIV Testing and CD4 Count: Essential in all TB patients with suspected or known HIV infection to guide antiretroviral therapy initiation
- Monitoring During Treatment: Repeat cultures at 2 months to assess treatment response; sputum/specimen cultures negative by 2 months indicate adequate response
- Liver Function Tests and Baseline Haematology: Before initiating TB therapy to monitor for drug-related toxicity
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: NO - Fasting is not required for this test as it involves collection of clinical specimens (pus, abscess fluid, or aspirates) from affected body sites rather than blood samples
- Specimen Collection Requirements: Specimen should be collected from the affected site (lymph node, abscess, joint fluid, CSF, etc.) using sterile technique. Adequate sample volume (minimum 2-5 mL) is essential for optimal recovery of mycobacteria
- Specimen Handling and Storage: Specimens should be collected in sterile containers (avoid formalin or other preservatives). Transport to laboratory at room temperature or refrigerate (4°C) if transport is delayed. Process specimen promptly to maximize bacterial recovery
- Medications and Considerations: No specific medications need to be avoided. However, if patient is on anti-TB therapy, document the duration and type of treatment as this may affect culture positivity and interpretation of results
- Pre-collection Patient Preparation: No special fasting or dietary restrictions required. Patient should be informed about the aspiration or sampling procedure. For lymph node or abscess aspiration, local anesthesia may be used. Patient should be positioned comfortably for specimen collection
- Timing of Collection: Early morning collection is preferred when possible. For meningitis cases, CSF should be collected before antibiotics if feasible. Multiple samples from different sites may improve diagnostic yield in disseminated TB
How our test process works!

