AFB
1
8.3
- noun
- Specialized
:
bacilo ácido resistente
- A positive result for AFB indicates a possible infection with mycobacteria.
- acid-fast bacilli (AFB)
- AFB smear
- stain for AFB
Examples
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The diagnosis is based on the results of Ziehl-Neelsen staining for AFB, culture of organisms obtained from tissue or nasal washings, and characteristic findings.
Academic text (2002) -
All three samples sent for ZN staining showed AFB.
Academic text (2007) -
Analysis of sputum for AFB was negative, and findings on chest x-ray were normal (figure 2).
Academic text (2002) -
AFB smear results can be useful, although they cannot differentiate between tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacteria (Figure 2).
Academic text (1995) -
Subsequent culture for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) was positive, and an assay for purified protein derivative (PPD) was strongly positive (1.8 x 1.8 cm).
Academic text (2002) -
The lab technicians reported finding AFB while testing the samples for tuberculosis.
-
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor ordered a test for AFB in the patient's sputum.
Surface Forms
Morphology
AFB = acid-fast bacillus (semi-transparent) = A + F + B
AFB is an initialism of a technical medical term; the mapping is form-based and requires domain knowledge to interpret.
Etymology
AFB is short for 'acid-fast bacillus' from the parts acid-fast (it holds a special stain even after acid) and bacillus ('a kind of bacterium'), so picture a stubborn germ that keeps a mark in the lab. That's why AFB is used in medicine to name bacteria doctors look for when testing for tuberculosis.