Rapid TB Smear Test - Tuberculosis (TB) Smear/Film

Tuberculosis (TB) film or AFB smear is a rapid and direct test for detecting acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in clinical samples such as sputum. It uses Ziehl-Neelsen staining or fluorochrome staining. These stains fluoresce the cell wall of mycobacteria (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis) red, making them clearly visible under a light or fluorescent microscope. It is a rapid test but less sensitive than culture.