| Synonyms:
| TB Smear, Acid Fast Smear, Mycobacterial Smear, Ziehl-Nelson Smear |
| Specimen: | Sputum- 10 mL; references recommend sputum be collected first morning on 3 separate days but when timing is an issue, 3 specimens at least one of which is first morning collection, may be submitted.
Body Fluids or Urine- 50 mL; prefer 3 urine specimens collected on 3 separate days.
CSF- 5mL; specimens should be collected in a sterile CSF tube.
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| Volume: | 10 mL sputum, 50 mL urine or body fluid, 5 mL CSF |
| Minimum Volume: | 5 mL sputum, 5 mL urine, 1 mL CSF |
| Collection: | Refrigerate specimen at 2-8°C and transport to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection. |
| Rejection Criteria: | Dry swab specimens; blood or bone marrow or less than 2 mL of fluid; improper labeling. |
| Reference Range: | No acid fast bacteria seen. |
| Methodology: | Microscopy |
| Test Use: | Detection of acid-fast bacilli in clinical specimens. |
| Additional Information: | Smears are not performed on blood/bone marrow or when <2 mL of fluid are sent. Smears from concentrated respiratory specimens have increased sensitivity. |
| Testing Includes: | Preparation and examination of direct and concentrate smears by Ziehl-Neelsen and Auramine stains. |
| Testing Facility: | AnMed Laboratory |