Doctors use a combination of tests and assessments to confirm TB. These include:
- Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, travel history, and any potential exposures to TB.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will examine you for signs of TB, such as fever, cough, and weight loss.
- Chest X-ray: A chest x-ray can show abnormalities in the lungs that are consistent with TB.
- Sputum Culture: This is the primary test used to diagnose TB. It involves collecting a sample of mucus from your lungs and testing it for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB.
- TB Blood Tests (IGRA): These tests measure your immune system's response to TB proteins. A positive result indicates exposure to TB, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have active TB.
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): This test involves injecting a small amount of TB protein under your skin. A positive result suggests that you have been exposed to TB, but it doesn't differentiate between latent TB infection and active TB disease.
Other tests may be performed depending on your individual situation, such as:
- Biopsy: This involves taking a sample of lung tissue for examination.
- Urine Culture: This can be helpful in diagnosing TB in people who are unable to provide a sputum sample.
It's important to note that a positive TB test alone doesn't confirm a diagnosis of active TB. Other factors, such as your symptoms and medical history, will be considered.
