1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol)
This test measures 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the biologically active form of vitamin D. It is used to investigate calcium imbalance, kidney disease and...
Sputum for TB Culture (AFB)
116.00
The Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) test detects active tuberculosis by culturing mycobacteria from sputum. It is a definitive test used to confirm TB infection and guide treatment.
Turnaround time
Results available up to 8 weeks after arrival in lab. Doctor's report sent the day after results available (if required)
Biomarkers count
1
Same-Day Appointments
UKAS Accredited Labs
Book your test
Under 18? Patients under 18 can only be seen at GB Medlabs and Clinilabs, Monday to Friday only.
1
Email
2
Service
3
Details
4
Confirm
{{ emailError }}
Choose Service Type
Home visit
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
In clinic
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
{{ homeAddressError }}
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
{{ homeTimeError }}
Choose Clinic Option
Select a clinic:
{{ clinic.name }}
{{ clinic.full_address }}
{{ selectedClinic.name }}
{{ selectedClinic.full_address }}
Select a date
{{ timeSlotAlert }}
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
{{ slot.preview }}
{{ selectedTime.preview }}
Loading add-ons...
{{ addOnError }}
No recommended add-ons available.
×
{{ addon.name }}
£{{ addon.price }}
{{ addon.excerpt }}
Selected
Selected ({{ selectedAddOns.length }})
£{{ addOnsTotal }}
- {{ sa.name }} £{{ sa.price }}
Included in total above.
Details about Sputum for TB Culture (AFB)
What is the Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) test?
The Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) test is a specialist microbiology test used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). The test involves culturing sputum samples on specific media to allow acid-fast bacilli (AFB) to grow.
Unlike rapid molecular tests or microscopy alone, TB culture is considered the gold standard for confirming active TB. It also allows for drug susceptibility testing, which is essential for guiding effective treatment.
Why do I need a Sputum for TB Culture test?
TB can cause long-lasting respiratory symptoms and may be contagious if untreated. Because symptoms can overlap with other lung conditions, laboratory confirmation is essential.
You may need this test if you have:
- Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats or persistent fever
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Abnormal chest X-ray suggestive of TB
- Known contact with someone diagnosed with TB
Benefits of the Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) test
- Confirms active TB infection
Gold-standard diagnostic method. - Identifies Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Distinguishes TB from other infections. - Enables drug susceptibility testing
Guides effective and safe treatment. - High diagnostic accuracy
More sensitive than microscopy alone. - Essential for public health control
Supports infection control and contact tracing. - Useful when smear tests are negative
Detects low bacterial loads. - Supports complex or chronic cases
Important in immunocompromised patients. - Guides specialist referral and care
Supports respiratory or infectious disease management.
Step-by-step – How we offer this test
Option 1: Clinic-based sample submission (UK-wide)
- Choose your nearest UK clinic
- Receive detailed sputum collection instructions
- Provide sputum sample (often early morning)
- Sample sent for AFB culture
Option 2: Home sample collection (UK-wide)
- Home sputum collection kit provided
- Collect sample following instructions
- Return sample to the laboratory
- Identical culture and reporting process
In some cases, multiple sputum samples on different days may be requested to improve accuracy.
Your results explained
No AFB detected (Negative culture)
No growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Typical UK interpretation:
- TB not detected
This reduces the likelihood of active TB but may require correlation with symptoms and imaging.
AFB detected (Positive culture)
Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis identified.
Typical UK interpretation:
- TB confirmed
Drug susceptibility testing is usually performed to guide treatment.
Indeterminate or contaminated culture
The sample may not be suitable for interpretation.
Typical UK interpretation:
- Repeat sample recommended
A new sputum sample may be required.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
1
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
2
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
3
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It detects active TB. Latent TB requires blood or skin testing.
Often 1–3 samples collected on separate days.
TB cultures usually take 2–8 weeks due to slow bacterial growth.
Yes. Prior TB treatment may reduce bacterial growth.
No. Sputum comes from the lungs, not the mouth.
No. Fasting is not required.
Yes, via drug susceptibility testing once culture is positive.
No. Standard infection control procedures are used.
Yes, if a sputum sample can be obtained.
Yes. Clinic-based and home sample options are available across the UK.
Similar Products in Blood Testing
Discover more options in this category:
17-Hydroxyprogesterone
This test measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone involved in cortisol production. It is used to assess adrenal function and diagnose congenital ad...
5 HIAA
The 5-HIAA (5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid) blood test measures the amount of 5-HIAA, a breakdown product of serotonin, in the bloodstream. Elevated level...
6-Thioguanine Nucleotides
This test measures 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels to monitor thiopurine medications. It helps optimise treatment effectiveness while reducing toxicit...
7 Sexually Transmitted Infections by PCR
This PCR screen detects seven common sexually transmitted infections with high accuracy. It identifies active infections even when symptoms are mild o...