HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Tests To Confirm The Diagnosis Of TB

is there a definite test for TB? my mother is being treated with meds for it however the doctors are not sure she has it. Originally they thought she has lung cancer since a 6cm mass was found around the heart area in her lung. The biospy came out negative. She has been tored, fatigued, loss of appetite, and has lost weight and muscle mass. She also has had a cough for 4months. She has has had TB about 35 years ago in her upper right chest area near the shoulder. I asked about the river valley flu and doctor does not think it is that. she is scared that she may be taking the wrond meds since it may not be TB. Please help and is there anything else it could be??? She has a bone mass test for Friday
Wed, 21 Oct 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern for your beloved mother.

Since she has the features like chronic cough, loss of appetite, loss of weight, fatigue the possibility of tuberculosis should be ruled out by relevant tests.

Lab tests like Sputum for AFB (acid fast bacilli), Mantoux test, Interferon Gamma Release Assays like QuantiFERON or T–SPOT tests are most sensitive and specific tests done to diagnose tuberculosis.

Besides other lab tests such as CBC & ESR are also recommended.

Hope this answers your query.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Tests To Confirm The Diagnosis Of TB

Hi & Welcome. I can understand your concern for your beloved mother. Since she has the features like chronic cough, loss of appetite, loss of weight, fatigue the possibility of tuberculosis should be ruled out by relevant tests. Lab tests like Sputum for AFB (acid fast bacilli), Mantoux test, Interferon Gamma Release Assays like QuantiFERON or T–SPOT tests are most sensitive and specific tests done to diagnose tuberculosis. Besides other lab tests such as CBC & ESR are also recommended. Hope this answers your query.