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Culture for AFB :. Mycobacteria require special culture media for growth (eg Lowenstein-Jensen medium, egg yolk agar). If Lowenstein-Jensen medium is used it may take 4 to 6 weeks before the result of culture is available. In many patients, if the diagnosis cannot be made immediately from a positive AFB smear, treatment is started based on an empirical diagnosis pending confirmation by culture. Drug sensitivity tests should be performed at the same time. Results take 7-8 weeks.
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