It is a rapid cultivation method for detection of mycobacteria. It is based on radiometric detection of C14 labelled CO2 released as a result of growth of mycobacteria in a special 12B liquid medium which contains c14 labelled palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is used for growth by these bacteria. This is both a sensitive and specific test.
The main advantage of this test is early results. It can detect the growth of mycobacteria in as early as 5 days, with an average duration of 1-12 days, as against the 6-8 weeks taken to grow AFB by culture on traditional media. In a smear positive individual, AFB culture and drug sensitivity testing can be done simultaneously results can be made available in 10-12 days.






Before proceeding to examination in any joint pathology, it is important to take a good history of the illness. It begins with questions like when did it begin, where is the pain or is there any swelling. History of trauma, tuberculosis, typhoid, exposure to venereal disease is important.