TB CULTURE

TB CULTURE is a microbiological test that attempts to grow Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical specimens (most commonly sputum) to confirm active tuberculosis. By isolating live bacteria it provides definitive diagnosis and allows species identification and drug-susceptibility testing to guide effective therapy. We offer home sample collection across Dubai with safe transport to UAE-accredited laboratories; culture-based results generally require 2–8 weeks depending on the media and methods used.

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (culture growth)
• Species identification (M. tuberculosis vs non‑tuberculous mycobacteria)
• Culture positivity and colony morphology
• First‑line drug susceptibility testing (INH, RIF, EMB, PZA)

• Persistent cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• Unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss
• Suspicious chest X‑ray or CT findings suggestive of TB
• Close contact with a confirmed active TB case
• Immunocompromised individuals or symptomatic patients with positive TB screening

• Definitive confirmation of active tuberculosis infection
• Detects viable organisms for accurate diagnosis
• Provides drug susceptibility results to inform tailored treatment
• Convenient home sample collection with UAE‑accredited laboratory processing
• Useful for detecting treatment failure, relapse, or non‑tuberculous mycobacterial infection

• Early‑morning sputum samples, typically 2–3 specimens (collected on different days)
• Rinse mouth with water and avoid eating, drinking or smoking immediately before collection
• Notify the collector of current or prior anti‑TB treatment or recent antibiotics
• Home collection service available across Dubai; samples sent to DHA‑accredited labs for processing