For detection of Acid Fast Bacilli (TB)

Due to the insensitivity of the test, requests for AFB Stain only (AFS/6551) are not recommended and require Pathologist approval with the following exception:

If a patient has recent positive AFB smears or recent cultures positive with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, physician requests for AFB Stain only do not need Pathologist approval.

For Cyclospora, see Cyclospora smear, stool

Screw cap plastic container (sterile)

Screw cap plastic container (sterile)

Stool transport media/vial - Ova & Parasite (EcoFix)

Place non-stool specimen in Ecofix preservative vial within 1 hour of sample collection.

Stool transport media/vial - Ova & Parasite (EcoFix)

Sterile cup:

Refrigerated - 7 days

Ambient - 7 days 

Ecofix vial:

Ambient 

• Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Time delay between time of collection and receipt of specimen
• Inappropriate timing of collection
• Improper transport container
• Improper transport temperature
• Interfering substances
• Inappropriate specimen type
• Expectorated sputum with oropharyngeal contamination
• Leaking container
• Overfilled Ecofix vial