Understand diagnostic tests in simple, non-technical language
This test looks for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in your body fluids, most commonly sputum. AFB are a type of bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) and some other infections. Finding these bacteria helps your doctor diagnose if you have an active infection. It can also help guide treatment decisions.
A blood culture test looks for germs like bacteria or fungi in your blood. Finding these germs helps your doctor diagnose infections that have spread into your bloodstream. This is important for choosing the right medicine to treat the infection.