SPUTUM EXAMINATION AFB (NHC)

The Sputum Examination AFB (NHC) test is a microbiological examination used to detect Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB), primarily Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in a sputum sample. A positive AFB smear is one of the earliest laboratory indicators of tuberculosis (TB) and other mycobacterial infections. The smear result and grading provide an estimate of the bacterial load, helping clinicians assess the severity of infection, initiate timely anti-tuberculosis therapy, and monitor the patient’s response to treatment over time.

For accurate results, an early morning sputum sample is preferred. The patient should rinse the mouth with plain water, take deep breaths, and cough deeply from the chest to produce a thick, purulent sputum sample (2–3 mL) rather than saliva. The specimen should be collected in a sterile, wide-mouth, leak-proof container and transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. If there is a delay of more than one hour, the sample should be refrigerated at 2–8°C. Proper specimen collection is essential to ensure reliable results and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis.