Lab test

AFB (Acid fast bacilli)

Key Aspects of AFB Testing Purpose: AFB tests detect mycobacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) and related infections (e.g., M. Leprae, M. Avium). AFB Smear (Microscopy): A rapid, low-cost test (often Ziehl-Neelsen stain)…

Sample: Serum/Fluid
Preparation: No fasting needed
Report in: 18 hours
Collection: At your home

About this test

Key Aspects of AFB Testing

Purpose: AFB tests detect mycobacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) and related infections (e.g., M. Leprae, M. Avium).
AFB Smear (Microscopy): A rapid, low-cost test (often Ziehl-Neelsen stain) that identifies red-stained rod-shaped bacteria against a blue background. It requires a high bacterial load, often identifying only ~50% of culture-positive cases.
AFB Culture: The gold standard, which grows the bacteria to definitively confirm the diagnosis. It can take 6–8 weeks but is more sensitive than smears.
Molecular Tests (NAAT/GeneXpert): Rapid, highly specific tests that detect bacterial genetic material in less than two hours.

Common Conditions Detected

Tuberculosis (TB): Respiratory infection (M. tuberculosis).
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): Infections often seen in immunocompromised patients.
Leprosy: Caused by M. leprae.

These tests are usually ordered for symptoms like chronic cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Preparation

No fasting is needed for this test. You can book any available slot.
Keep your doctor’s prescription or test request handy if you have one, and take regular medicines as your doctor has advised.
Tell the sample collector if you take blood thinners, and wear a sleeve that rolls above the elbow.

How home sample collection works

1
Choose your tests
Add single tests or a package to the cart and check fasting needs.
2
Pick a collection slot
Half-hour slots from 30 minutes ahead, up to 10 days out. Pay online.
3
A sample collector visits
They confirm the visit with a one-time code, then take the sample.
4
Report in your account
The lab uploads the report and you are notified to download it.

Where we collect samples at home

Lab tests with home sample collection reach 70 Hyderabad pin codes today, across these areas:

Coverage differs street to street and grows as professionals join. Check your pin code to see what reaches your address.

Frequently asked questions

How much does AFB (Acid fast bacilli) cost in Hyderabad?

AFB (Acid fast bacilli) costs ₹499 on Aish Health in Hyderabad, down from ₹599. There is no separate home collection fee; any GST or busy-hour charge is shown before you pay.

Do I need to fast before AFB (Acid fast bacilli)?

No, fasting is not needed for this test, so you can book any available slot.

When will I get the AFB (Acid fast bacilli) report?

The expected report time is 18 hours. The partner lab uploads the report as a PDF to your order and you are notified to download it.

What sample is collected for AFB (Acid fast bacilli)?

Serum/Fluid sample is collected at your home by a sample collector.

Can I cancel a lab test booking?

Yes. Cancel before a sample collector accepts or more than 1 hour before the slot for a full refund. Within 1 hour of the slot there is no refund, and once the sample collector is on the way the booking can no longer be cancelled.

Can I book tests for a family member?

Yes. Add them as a family member in your account and choose them as the patient when booking, so the report is filed under their name.

Can I pay cash when the sample is collected?

No. Lab tests booked on the website or app are paid online when you book, by card, UPI or your Aish Health wallet.

₹499

₹59917% off