Acid Fast Bacilli Culture ( Blood & Bone Marrow)

The Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Culture, Blood & Bone Marrow test is a specialized microbiology test used to detect and isolate acid-fast bacilli, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), from blood or bone marrow samples. It is primarily recommended when a disseminated mycobacterial infection is suspected, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. By growing the organism in culture, the test helps confirm the presence of infection and provides a foundation for further identification and additional laboratory testing when required.

Who should get this test done?

This test may be recommended for individuals who:

●     Have persistent fever or signs of a systemic infection with no clear cause.

●     Are suspected of having disseminated tuberculosis or non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.

●     Have a weakened immune system, such as individuals with HIV or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

●     Require evaluation for mycobacterial infection involving the blood or bone marrow.

●     Need culture-based confirmation after other investigations suggest a mycobacterial infection.

Why consider this test?

Mycobacterial infections that spread through the bloodstream or involve the bone marrow can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are often non-specific. The AFB Culture, Blood & Bone Marrow test helps detect and isolate the causative organism directly from the sample, providing reliable evidence of infection. The cultured organism can also undergo further laboratory analysis for species identification and drug susceptibility testing, helping clinicians choose the most appropriate treatment strategy.

More information

This test is performed using blood or bone marrow specimens collected under sterile conditions and processed in specialized culture systems designed to support the growth of acid-fast bacilli. Once an organism grows, additional tests may be performed to identify the specific mycobacterial species and assess its susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. The test is commonly requested as part of a comprehensive evaluation of suspected disseminated mycobacterial infections and is interpreted alongside clinical findings, imaging studies, and other microbiological investigations.

Other names

●     Mycobacteria blood culture
●     TB blood culture
●     AFB culture, bone marrow
●     Disseminated TB culture test
●     Mycobacterial blood and bone marrow culture