Test Price
220 AED✅ Home Collection Available
AFB (Mycobacterium) Culture, Rapid with PNB Test in UAE | 220 AED | DHA Certified
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
- Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO 9001:2015 Accredited Processing.
- Premium Logistics: Home sputum collection with temperature-controlled cold-chain transport – available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. CSF collection requires hospital extraction.
- Clinical Guidance: Telephonic post-test result interpretation by DHA-licensed physicians.
- Insurance Billing: Direct verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
This advanced mycobacterial culture uses automated fluorescence technology to rapidly detect AFB growth, followed by a para-nitrobenzoic acid (PNB) inhibition assay to confirm Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It provides definitive diagnosis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, enabling timely treatment initiation.
| Feature | Rapid AFB Culture + PNB (Our Test) | Conventional AFB Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | Automated liquid culture with fluorometric detection (BACTEC™ MGIT™) + PNB inhibition assay | Solid Löwenstein‑Jensen medium, manual reading |
| Time to First Result | Interim report at 14 days, 4‑week update | 4‑8 weeks |
| Final Identification | PNB test at 6 weeks, differentiating M. tuberculosis complex from nontuberculous mycobacteria | Biochemical testing may take 8+ weeks; no PNB |
| Diagnostic Sensitivity | >95% for active TB | ~80‑85% |
| Price | 220 AED | Lower cost but longer turnaround time |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“AFB culture with PNB is a cornerstone for confirming active tuberculosis and distinguishing it from nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. Timely and accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate therapy and reduces the risk of transmission. Remember that all laboratory results must be correlated clinically—always discuss with your doctor.”
— Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner (DHA License: 36234132)
⚠️ Medication Advisory
Do not discontinue prescribed anti-tuberculosis medication without consulting your doctor. Premature cessation can lead to drug resistance and severe disease progression.
Safety Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
Home collection not advised if:
- Severe hemoptysis (coughing blood) or uncontrolled cough that may worsen.
- CSF specimen required—must be collected only in a sterile hospital setting by a licensed physician.
- Acute febrile illness (>38.5°C) or signs of systemic infection.
Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, or focal neurological deficits after CSF collection.
- High fever with chills, severe pain, or swelling after any invasive procedure.
- Profuse bleeding or difficulty breathing after sputum collection.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. How soon can I expect my AFB culture results?
Interim culture results are available at 14 days, with a 4‑week update. The final PNB identification is completed at 6 weeks. If any growth is detected, the lab reports immediately; a negative interim report reduces the likelihood of active tuberculosis, but final confirmation requires the full incubation period.
2. What does a positive PNB test mean?
A positive PNB inhibition test confirms that the organism is Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, indicating active tuberculosis that requires treatment. It rules out nontuberculous mycobacteria, ensuring that first‑line anti‑TB drugs (e.g., isoniazid, rifampicin) are appropriate per DHA protocols.
3. How should I prepare for a home-collected sputum sample?
Collect the sample early in the morning before eating or drinking. Rinse your mouth with plain water only, then cough deeply from the lungs to produce sputum (not saliva) into the sterile container provided. Seal the container immediately and follow the cold‑chain transport instructions. The courier will collect and deliver to the lab.
4. Can this test be performed on liquid or tissue samples other than sputum?
Yes, bronchoalveolar lavage, gastric aspirate, pleural fluid, and other respiratory specimens are accepted. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) must be collected in a hospital setting. All specimens are processed under the same rapid culture protocol.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Your health data is protected under Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Clinical laboratory operations comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability for patient safety and consent. All results are confidential and shared only with the ordering physician and patient.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | AFB (Mycobacterium) Culture, Rapid with PNB Test |
| Price (AED) | 220 AED |
| Turnaround Time | Interim 14 days, 4‑week update, final PNB at 6 weeks |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Sputum (preferred), bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid; CSF requires hospital extraction |
| Methodology Used | Automated fluorescence liquid culture (BACTEC™ MGIT™) + PNB inhibition assay |
| ICD-10-CM Code | A15.0 |
| LOINC Code | 205-0 |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | License No. 1143 – Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE (DNA Labs UAE) |
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