Sputum for TB Culture (AFB)
Specialist sputum culture for acid-fast bacilli, used when tuberculosis or another mycobacterial respiratory infection is being investigated.
Turnaround time
8 weeks
Biomarkers count
1
Book your test
Choose Service Type
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
Select a clinic: Sorting by distance…
{{ clinicAddress(clinic) }}
{{ clinicAddress(selectedClinic) }}
Select a date
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
Overview of the Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) Test
The Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) test is a specialist microbiology investigation used when tuberculosis or another mycobacterial respiratory infection is being considered.
AFB stands for acid-fast bacilli, a laboratory term used for mycobacteria that retain particular stains during microscopic and microbiological processing.
A sputum sample contains mucus coughed up from the lower respiratory tract rather than saliva from the mouth.
The specimen is submitted for specialist mycobacterial culture.
Tuberculosis organisms can grow slowly, which is why culture may require several weeks before a final result is available.
This test should be used within an appropriate clinical pathway where tuberculosis is suspected.
What Does the Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) Test Check?
The test investigates a sputum specimen for mycobacteria through the specialist AFB culture pathway. This test contains 1 specialist microbiology investigation.
Sputum for TB Culture (AFB)
Cultures a respiratory sputum specimen for acid-fast mycobacteria, including organisms relevant to investigation of suspected tuberculosis.
Who May Benefit From the Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) Test?
AFB sputum culture is a targeted investigation and is most appropriate when tuberculosis or another mycobacterial infection is clinically suspected.
People advised by a doctor to undergo TB sputum testing - Culture can form part of specialist tuberculosis investigation.
People with persistent respiratory symptoms and relevant TB risk factors - Clinical history determines whether mycobacterial testing is appropriate.
People with abnormal chest imaging requiring microbiological investigation - Sputum culture may be requested alongside other tests.
People with known exposure to tuberculosis - Specialist assessment determines the appropriate testing pathway.
People undergoing follow-up of previously identified mycobacterial infection - Culture may sometimes be requested during management.
How to Prepare
Correct specimen collection is important because saliva alone is not an adequate sputum sample.
Additional specimens may sometimes be requested as part of a formal tuberculosis investigation.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) Test
Symptoms associated with pulmonary tuberculosis are not specific and require proper clinical assessment.
Persistent cough - Particularly when prolonged and associated with relevant risk factors.
Coughing up sputum or blood - Requires clinical assessment.
Unexplained fever or night sweats - Can occur with many infections, including tuberculosis.
Unexplained weight loss - May warrant broader medical investigation.
Known close contact with pulmonary tuberculosis - Exposure history can influence testing recommendations.
Abnormal chest imaging - Sputum investigation may form part of specialist follow-up.
Suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis requires appropriate medical assessment and infection-control advice.
Routine private testing should not delay specialist or urgent care where active TB is suspected.
How to Book Your Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) Test
Sputum TB culture requires an appropriate respiratory specimen and specialist microbiology processing.
Choose the Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) Test
Request the specialist mycobacterial culture.
Select your sample collection option
Attend one of our clinics (+£35) or arrange a home visit from a phlebotomist (+£60) for specimen collection or handover.
Receive the appropriate specimen container
Use the container supplied for sputum collection.
Collect your sample
Produce a lower-respiratory sputum specimen according to the instructions provided.
Laboratory analysis
The sample enters the specialist AFB culture pathway.
Receive your results securely
Preliminary or final culture findings are reported according to laboratory progress.
When Will I Receive My Results?
Results can take up to 8 weeks.
Mycobacteria can grow slowly, so a final negative culture cannot always be issued quickly.
The laboratory may report relevant findings earlier if growth is detected before the full culture period is complete.
Understanding Your Results
A positive culture indicates that acid-fast mycobacteria have grown from the specimen.
Further laboratory identification is required to determine the organism involved and guide clinical management.
A final negative culture means no relevant mycobacterial growth was detected during the required culture period.
A negative result should still be interpreted alongside symptoms, imaging, exposure history and any other TB investigations.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides access to specialist mycobacterial culture through an established infection-sciences laboratory.
Specialist AFB culture - The test is specifically designed for mycobacterial investigation.
Suitable for suspected pulmonary TB pathways - Sputum culture provides direct microbiological evidence where infection is present.
Appropriate specimen handling - Samples enter the specialist microbiology pathway.
Clinical context can be supplied - Relevant exposure and treatment history can accompany the sample.
Up to 8-week culture period - The reporting timeframe reflects slow mycobacterial growth.
Secure private reporting - Results are returned confidentially.
Private Sputum for TB Culture (AFB) Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private access to specialist sputum culture for acid-fast bacilli.
The investigation is intended for suspected mycobacterial respiratory infection, including pulmonary tuberculosis.
Final culture may take up to eight weeks.