Category
Microbiology
Sub Category
Microscopy
Abbreviations
ZN STAIN
Synonyms/Aliases
ZIEL-NEELSEN STAIN
Results
Results ready in 3 hours
Test
Individual Test
Method
Staining and microscopy
Setup
All working days
Temp
Transportation Temprature be kept at 2-8ºC
Pre-analytic Considerations
A container that is sterile and leak proof
Component Parameters
N/A
Test Ordering Instructions
fill out test request form fully & legibly. specify sample type/ anatomic site.
Patient Preparation
for sputum specimens only: rinse the mouth with water & cough deeply after taking deep breaths to get a good quality expectorated sputum specimen. collect sputum and not saliva.
Sample Types
variable - sputum, fluid, tissues.
Other Instructions
N / A
Sample Volume
variable - sputum, fluid, tissues.
Sample Requirements
5mL of the sample to the container
Container / Presavative
sterile container
Reference intervals
negative for acid & alcohol fast bacilli (AAFB)
Clinical Utility
diagnosis of mycobacterial infection/ M. tuberculosis
Rejection Criteria
labeling issue (unlabeled/ mislabeled); missing request form; mismatch between request form & sample details.
Test Limitations / Confounders
does not differentiate between mycobacteria species; does not distinguish between viable & dead aafbs in follow-up specimens.