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Culture AFB (Mycobacterium) Rapid with PNB Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Culture AFB (Mycobacterium) Rapid with PNB Test

Short Name: AFB Rapid PNB Test

Also known as: AFB Culture with PNB, Mycobacterium Culture Rapid PNB Test

Culture AFB (Mycobacterium) Rapid with PNB Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,966. Uses Rapid Automated Fluorescent AFB Culture, Automated AFB Identification by PNB Test on Multiple types: Blood/Bone Marrow, CSF, Pus/Body fluids, Tissue, Swabs, Sputum, Urine, Gastric Lavage samples. Results in Interim reports in 14 days and 4 weeks; final report in 6 weeks. PNB test results available 10 days after positive AFB culture.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Culture-based DiagnosticAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

To diagnose tuberculosis infection and identify antibiotic resistance patterns of Mycobacterium species, guiding effective treatment decisions.

Test Code
389
Price
₹1,966
Sample Type
Multiple types: Blood/Bone Marrow, CSF, Pus/Body fluids, Tissue, Swabs, Sputum, Urine, Gastric Lavage
Result Time
Interim reports in 14 days and 4 weeks; final report in 6 weeks. PNB test results available 10 days after positive AFB culture.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Rapid Automated Fluorescent AFB Culture, Automated AFB Identification by PNB Test
Step 1

Sample Collection

For Gastric Lavage specimens, overnight fasting is mandatory. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or recent treatments.

Method: By healthcare professional

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Sample collection will be performed by a trained healthcare professional using sterile techniques to avoid contamination.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Samples are shipped refrigerated to the laboratory. Ensure proper documentation and follow-up for report delivery.

Timeline: Interim reports in 14 days and 4 weeks; final report in 6 weeks. PNB test results available 10 days after positive AFB culture.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:For Gastric Lavage, fast overnight. Avoid antibiotics if possible before sample collection as directed by your physician.
2
During the Test:Sample collection is straightforward, involving sputum, blood, or other specimens collected by a professional.
3
After the Test:No special care needed after sample collection. Monitor for any discomfort and follow up for results.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To diagnose tuberculosis infection and identify antibiotic resistance patterns of Mycobacterium species, guiding effective treatment decisions.

How to Prepare

  • Blood/Bone Marrow: Collect 8 mL (5 mL min.) in Myco F/Lytic bottle, mix by gentle inversion 8-10 times, ship at 18-22°C.
  • CSF: Collect 2 mL (1 mL min.) in Red Top tube or sterile screw-capped container, ship refrigerated.
  • Pus/Body fluids: Submit as much as possible (1 mL min.) in sterile screw-capped container, ship refrigerated.
  • Tissue/Swabs: Submit in sterile normal saline in sterile screw-capped container, ship refrigerated.
  • Sputum/Urine: Submit 2 spot morning samples, 5-10 mL sputum or 10 mL urine in sterile screw-capped container, ship refrigerated.
  • Gastric Lavage: Submit 5-10 mL (2 mL min.) in sterile screw-capped container, ship refrigerated. Overnight fasting mandatory.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052

"This test is crucial for early TB detection and guiding treatment to combat drug resistance."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeMultiple types: Blood/Bone Marrow, CSF, Pus/Body fluids, Tissue, Swabs, Sputum, Urine, Gastric Lavage
Sample VolumeVaries by sample type (see details)
ContainerMyco F/Lytic bottle for Blood/Bone Marrow; Red Top tube for CSF; sterile screw-capped containers for other fluids
Collection MethodBy healthcare professional

Sample Stability

Room Temperature2 hours
Refrigerator48 hours
FrozenNot applicable
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Insufficient sample volume
  • Contaminated or improperly stored samples
  • Use of non-sterile containers
  • Samples without proper documentation

Understanding Your Results

Results from the Culture AFB Rapid PNB test help determine the presence of TB and antibiotic resistance. A positive culture indicates active infection, while PNB results guide treatment selection.
📊

AFB Culture Negative

No Mycobacterium growth detected; TB unlikely if symptoms persist, consider repeat testing or other diagnostics.

📊

AFB Culture Positive with M. tuberculosis

Active TB infection confirmed; further drug sensitivity testing recommended.

📊

PNB Susceptible

Mycobacterium species sensitive to PNB-based antibiotics; standard treatment may be effective.

📊

PNB Resistant

Mycobacterium species resistant to PNB; alternative antibiotics required to avoid treatment failure.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult a doctor immediately if you have symptoms of TB, receive a positive test result, or if treatment based on results is not improving your condition.

Limitations

  • Long turnaround time up to 6 weeks
  • May not detect all mycobacterial species
  • Requires skilled laboratory personnel for accurate interpretation
  • Not suitable for rapid point-of-care testing

Risks & Considerations

  • Minimal risks from sample collection, such as slight discomfort or bruising
  • Rare chance of infection at collection site
  • No significant risks from the test itself

Interfering Factors

  • Contamination of sample during collection
  • Prior antibiotic therapy affecting bacterial growth
  • Improper sample storage or transport
  • Use of incorrect sample type or volume

Compare With Similar Tests

TestCulture AFB (Mycobacterium) Rapid with PNB Test
ComparisonCulture AFB (Mycobacterium) Rapid with PNB Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Culture AFB Rapid PNB test?
It is a laboratory test to diagnose tuberculosis by culturing Mycobacterium species and using PNB to identify antibiotic resistance.
How much does the test cost?
The test costs INR 1965.6 at DNA Labs India, with free home sample collection available.
What samples are needed for the test?
Samples can include sputum, blood, CSF, pus, or other body fluids, depending on the suspected infection site.
Is fasting required for the test?
Fasting is only mandatory for Gastric Lavage specimens; for other samples, it is not required.
How long does it take to get results?
Interim results may be available in 14 days to 4 weeks, with final results in 6 weeks.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates active TB infection. The PNB test further determines if the bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics.
Is home sample collection available?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for this test in many cities across India.
Can the test detect all types of TB?
It primarily detects pulmonary TB but can be used for extrapulmonary TB with appropriate samples.
What is the PNB test?
PNB (p-nitrobenzoic acid) test helps identify Mycobacterium species and their susceptibility to antibiotics.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
Risks are minimal, mainly related to sample collection, such as slight discomfort or rare infection.
How accurate is the test?
Culture is highly sensitive and specific for TB diagnosis, though turnaround time is longer than molecular tests.
What should I do if I have symptoms of TB?
Consult a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation; this test may be recommended for diagnosis.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

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Your Data Privacy

Your medical data is protected under Indian law.

Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

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