HISTOPATHOLOGY AFB STAIN

What this test checks

A special stain applied to tissue sections to detect mycobacteria (tuberculosis and related organisms) — organisms that have a distinctive waxy coat requiring special staining to be visible under microscopy.

Why do people get this test?

Tuberculosis can infect any organ in the body. AFB staining on tissue confirms mycobacterial infection in biopsies from the lung, lymph nodes, intestine, or other sites — essential for starting the correct anti-TB treatment.

When you should consider this test

• When TB or non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection of an organ is suspected
• When tissue granulomas are seen on standard staining and TB needs to be confirmed or excluded
• In immunocompromised patients with unexplained organ lesions

How to prepare

No preparation needed — performed on existing tissue samples.