A normal result means no acid-fast bacteria were found on the stained sample.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Abnormal results may indicate an infection with an acid-fast bacteria. Acid-fast bacteria include those that cause tuberculosis, nontuberculous infections, and nocardia infections.
Newton SM, Brent AJ, Anderson S, Whittaker E, Kampmann B. Paediatrictuberculosis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2008 Aug;8(8):498-510.