Gastric Aspirate for AFB Stain Test Cost & Procedure

Little children suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis have their gastric aspirates taken. After being swallowed, the mucus stays in the stomach until empty.

Gastric aspiration: What is it?

• A diagnostic method called gastric aspiration is used to identify both adult and paediatric cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.
• During the process, stomach contents are taken and tested for signs of live tuberculosis infection.
• Children under six who cannot generate sputum constitute the majority of patients who undergo gastric aspiration.
• Yet, it is also applied to individuals who have had sputum smear tests and come out negative for tuberculosis (TB).

Why is this test recommended?

As indicated, children under six who often have difficulty generating sputum are given stomach aspirations. Those who underwent sputum smear tests but were thought to have received falsely negative findings are likewise subjected to it. Moreover, the optimum diagnostic technique for tuberculosis testing in patients who have had a renal allograft operation is stomach aspiration. Procedures involving renal allografts are infamous for being linked to several diseases, including TB. As a result, if tuberculosis is suspected, patients who have had the operation may need to have their stomachs aspirated.

Procedure:

• Give the child confidence by describing the purpose of collecting sputum for them (and any other family members, if applicable).
• Before providing the specimen, instruct the youngster to rinse their mouth with water. This will assist in clearing the mouth of any contaminating microorganisms and food.
• After having them inhale three times, ask them to exhale quickly. To get them to cough and take a second breath, ask them to.
• This ought to cause the lungs to generate sputum. After a successful cough, instruct the youngster to spit softly into the sputum container while holding it close to their lips.
• Remember that many individuals can take several minutes or more to generate sputum deep inside the respiratory tract.
• Give the kid enough time to elicit what they perceive to be a deep cough or expectoration.
• Treat the container as used and remove it properly if there isn't any expectoration.