Sputum Exam for Mycobacterium

Alternative names:

acid fast organisms

How the test is performed:

Obtain a coughed sputum sample. You are asked to cough deeply and expel any material that comes from the lungs (sputum) into a container.

The cells of the specimen are stained with a dye, carbo fuchsin, and heat and acid are applied to the specimen as well. The prepared specimen is then examined under the microscope. If the stain shows mycobacteria, the specimen may be placed in culture media.

How to prepare for the test:

Collect a sample of sputum coughed from the lungs in a container.

How the test will feel:

There is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed when tuberculosis or other Mycobacterium infection is suspected.