Acid Fast Bacilli
Use
Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) special stain is used to detect mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This stain identifies organisms with high lipid content in their cell walls, rendering them resistant to decolorization by acid-alcohol solutions. In pathology, AFB stain is used as an aid in the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections.
Special Instructions
Fresh Tissue: Specimens may be fixed in formalin for 6-72 hours by collection sites, then transferred to 70% ethanol and stored at 2-8°C for longer term storage if needed. This is NOT preferred. Samples should be tested 3 months after placing in ethanol. Unstained slides: Positively charged glass slides required to prevent background staining and prevent tissue loss. Slides should be left unbaked.
Limitations
Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected. Stated turn-around-times (TATs) are for clinical use only and subject to change based on biopharma protocol requirements. Final TATs will be specified in the biopharma study contract.
Methodology
Anatomic Pathology
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (Fresh)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for 6-72 hours (48-72 hours PREFERRED).
Storage Instructions
15°C to 25°C
Causes for Rejection
Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | ≤ 72 Hours |