Test Results Show Epithelial Cells <25/lpf And Polymorphonuclear Cells <25/lpf. What Is The Meaning?

Posted on Sat, 28 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : can you interpret the result of my afb stain: epithelial cells <25/lpf polymorphonuclear cells <25/lpf. no fast acid bacili seen. what does that mean? what medicine should i take? is that normal? they suspected that i have PTB. this is the result of my sputum sample.

Answered by Dr. Guru (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer: v Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for consulting HealthcareMagic! You AFB stain test is negative. However, negative AFB stain test does not completely exclude PTB. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and culture is recommended if there is strong suspicion of TB based on physical examination findings. Hope I have answered your query. If you like my answers and wish me to answer in future, bring it to my attention: Dr Vasanth. Url link is as follows: WWW.WWWW.WW Wish you good health!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Guru (3 minutes later)

What should I do next? I I don't have cough or colds. I will also undergo skin test. If my skin test is negative, am I free from ptb?

Answered by Dr. Guru (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Refer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for follow up! Even though if patient does not have cough or colds, your doctor may have reasons to suspect based on physical exam. Skin test is of not much value. Sputum culture, chest x ray would be helpful to completely rule out the suspicion. Take care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar