Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
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
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.
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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.