Test Description: Sputum A.F.B. (Acid-Fast Bacilli)

The Sputum A.F.B. test is used to detect *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), in the sputum (mucus or phlegm). The test involves staining the sputum with an acid-fast dye and examining it under a microscope for the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB). A positive result indicates an active TB infection, while a negative result may require further testing or clinical evaluation, especially in cases with low bacterial load. This test is essential for diagnosing tuberculosis, particularly in patients with symptoms such as chronic cough, weight loss, or hemoptysis.