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What Causes Equivocal Results For Tuberculosis Test For A Pneumonia Patient?
Posted on
Sat, 14 May 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 14 May 2016
Answered on
Tue, 21 Jun 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : A family members spouse tested positive in 4 tuberculosis tests, but negative in last one. Now waiting 30days for results of a sputum test ( all above within 3wks ). Is it possible she never had it ? Everyone close has had negative test results
Brief Answer:
What were his symptoms?
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
First of all, let me clear you one thing. I practice in tb endemic country.
So I have come across tb patients daily.
You are talking about microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis.
In some patients, even with negative microbiological tests, chances of tuberculosis are more. So diagnosis of tb should not based on single parameter.
Combination of symptoms, radiological picture and microbiological tests are needed for confirmation of tb.
So please let me know
1. What were your his symptoms?
2. What was the x ray finding?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to him. Thanks.
What were his symptoms?
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
First of all, let me clear you one thing. I practice in tb endemic country.
So I have come across tb patients daily.
You are talking about microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis.
In some patients, even with negative microbiological tests, chances of tuberculosis are more. So diagnosis of tb should not based on single parameter.
Combination of symptoms, radiological picture and microbiological tests are needed for confirmation of tb.
So please let me know
1. What were your his symptoms?
2. What was the x ray finding?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to him. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The person in question is a 48yr old female in-law of mine. I don't know all the details except she had bronchitis & pneumonia off & on this past winter with a cough was getting little sleep due to working 2 full time jobs 6 days a week the last couple years & smokes cigarettes.She had 5 tests: lung scans, blood, etc.all positive except last of those was negative. Since then was given sputum test & Now waiting the 30 days for test results.
Brief Answer:
Better to start anti TB drugs in her.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
If symptoms, CT scan and most of the sputum are positive for tuberculosis, then don't wait for starting tb treatment.
She should definitely start anti TB treatment.
And if you all (contacts) are tested negative then no need to worry for tb in you all.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wishing her good health. Thanks.
Better to start anti TB drugs in her.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
If symptoms, CT scan and most of the sputum are positive for tuberculosis, then don't wait for starting tb treatment.
She should definitely start anti TB treatment.
And if you all (contacts) are tested negative then no need to worry for tb in you all.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wishing her good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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