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Kinyoun's stained acid fast bacilli |
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Mycobacteriology
Culture and detection of mycobacteria using broth and plates: Microbiology uses Middlebrook plates and a special automated broth incubation system for detection of mycobacteria. Positive isolates are sent to a reference laboratory for definitive identification by DNA probe or high-pressure liquid chromatography and for susceptibility testing. A STAT (approximately 2 hour turnaround time) AFB stain is available for initial sputum from patients with suspected untreated tuberculosis, however this process renders the specimen unsuitable for other studies and additional samples must be submitted for culture.
