Test Price
140 AED✅ Home Collection Available
AFB (Mycobacterium) Rapid Culture Test in UAE – 140 AED – DHA Licensed
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
Test Overview & Methodology
The AFB Rapid Culture Test isolates and identifies Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a wide range of clinical specimens using automated fluorescent smear microscopy, immunochromatographic rapid antigen detection (ICT), and MALDI‑TOF mass spectrometry. This integrated workflow delivers positive results telephonically as early as 2 days, enabling faster clinical decisions than conventional 6–8 week solid cultures.
| Feature | Our AFB Rapid Culture | Closest Alternative (GeneXpert / Conventional) |
|---|---|---|
| Precision / Method | Automated Fluorescent Microscopy + ICT + MALDI‑TOF; culture‑based isolation for full identification | PCR‑based (GeneXpert) or manual Löwenstein‑Jensen culture (slow) |
| Speed of First Positive Report | As early as 2 days (telephonic alert); interim reports at 14 days & 4 weeks | Molecular test: ~2 hours (limited to rifampicin resistance); conventional culture: 6–8 weeks |
| Drug Susceptibility Readiness | Viable isolate available for phenotypic DST (mandatory per UAE health regulations) | GeneXpert only detects Rif‑resistance; conventional culture eventually provides isolate |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“As a DHA-licensed General Practitioner, I remind you that a positive AFB culture demands urgent clinical correlation, immediate public health notification, and a thorough search for extrapulmonary disease. However, a negative rapid culture does not exclude tuberculosis if clinical suspicion remains high; please do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Every patient with hemoptysis, acute breathlessness, or neurological signs must be directed to emergency care without delay.”
— Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner (DHA License: 36234132)
Advisory – Medication Safety
Do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.
- Abrupt discontinuation of anti‑tuberculous therapy may lead to drug resistance and relapse.
- Always complete the full course as advised by your treating physician.
Exclusion Criteria & Limitations
- Exclusion Criteria: Patients already on anti‑tuberculous therapy for >2 weeks may yield false‑negative culture results.
- Not a Latent TB Screen: This test is designed for active disease; for latent TB, request IGRA (QuantiFERON) or TST.
- ER Red Flags: Massive hemoptysis, acute respiratory failure, altered consciousness, or severe chest pain require immediate emergency department presentation.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the AFB Rapid Culture test?
The AFB Rapid Culture test grows Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical samples to confirm active tuberculosis infection. It uses automated fluorescent staining, immunochromatographic rapid detection (ICT), and MALDI‑TOF identification, delivering positive reports telephonically between day 2 and 42. This culture-based approach also provides a viable isolate for vital drug susceptibility testing.
2. How should I prepare for the AFB culture test?
Overnight fasting is mandatory only for gastric lavage specimens; all other sample types require no special preparation. For sputum, urine, or blood collection, you can follow normal routines. Our hospital-based collection team will provide detailed instructions specific to your requested specimen. Do not pool samples — each must be collected separately in sterile containers.
3. What does a positive result mean and what are the next steps?
A positive AFB culture means active tuberculosis infection is present, requiring immediate anti‑tubercular treatment and public health notification. Your physician will initiate a four‑drug regimen pending drug susceptibility, order contact tracing, and may request additional imaging. Telephonic clinical guidance is included; do not delay treatment.
4. Can this test be performed on a home collection sample?
No, this test requires hospital extraction only. Sample collection is conducted strictly within an accredited hospital facility to ensure sterile technique and appropriate handling of invasive specimens such as CSF, bone marrow, and tissue biopsies. Mobile home phlebotomy is not available for this test.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
- Federal Decree‑Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL): Patient identifiers and medical data are encrypted, stored on secure UAE‑based servers, and never shared without explicit consent.
- Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of ICT in Health Fields: Our health information systems comply with strict electronic data security and interoperability standards.
- Federal Decree‑Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability: All clinical procedures and patient consent documentation follow the legal framework for medical responsibility.
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified: Certificate INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139 validates our quality management system encompassing pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical phases.
- DHA Facility License No. 1143: Our laboratory is licensed and inspected by the Dubai Health Authority.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | AFB (Mycobacterium) Rapid Culture |
| Price (AED) | 140 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 2–42 days (positive results reported telephonically as early as day 2) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Sputum, CSF, BAL, blood, bone marrow, tissue, urine, pus, body fluids, gastric lavage – hospital collection only |
| Methodology Used | Automated Fluorescent Microscopy, ICT (immunochromatographic test), MALDI‑TOF MS |
| ICD-10-CM Code | A15.0 (Respiratory tuberculosis, bacteriologically confirmed) |
| LOINC Code | 444-9 (Mycobacterium sp identified in Specimen by Culture) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA License No. 1143 – DNA Labs UAE, Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
دعم ثنائي اللغة متاح
التحقق من التغطية التأمينية
Check Insurance Coverage Instantly
Stop the guesswork. Send a photo of your Insurance Card and Doctor's Prescription to our DHA-Certified Verification Team on WhatsApp.
توقف عن التخمين. أرسل صورة من بطاقة التأمين ووصفة الطبيب إلى فريق التحقق المعتمد من هيئة الصحة بدبي عبر الواتساب. احصل على تحديث الحالة في دقائق.
Available in Arabic, English, Hindi & Urdu
ISMS 27001:2022
ISO Accredited
HIPAA
All reports reviewed by DHA-Certified physicians