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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Negative Tuberculosis Test Suggest?

if a person's report for tuberculosis after medically treated is found to be negative after 5 months, yet the medicine is supposed to be continued till 9 months, does that mean the person is completely cured and is it safe for small childrens to live in the same house?
Wed, 9 Jul 2014
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello.

Thank you for asking at HCM.

There are many types tests for tuberculosis. I assume you are referring to sputum examination for tuberculosis, which is most commonly used for diagnosis of tuberculosis.

If a person's sputum has turned negative after 5 months of treatment, it does not mean he/she is completely cured. He needs to complete the full course of anti-tubercular medicines suggested by his physician.

Negative sputum means the person is no longer excreting tuberculous bacteria in his sputum. So it is considered safe for other persons coming into his contact.

So, yes, once a person is sputum negative, it is safe for children to come in contact with him and stay in the same house.

However, this does not apply to other tests for tuberculosis.

Hope this will be helpful to you.

Regards.
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What Does Negative Tuberculosis Test Suggest?

Hello. Thank you for asking at HCM. There are many types tests for tuberculosis. I assume you are referring to sputum examination for tuberculosis, which is most commonly used for diagnosis of tuberculosis. If a person s sputum has turned negative after 5 months of treatment, it does not mean he/she is completely cured. He needs to complete the full course of anti-tubercular medicines suggested by his physician. Negative sputum means the person is no longer excreting tuberculous bacteria in his sputum. So it is considered safe for other persons coming into his contact. So, yes, once a person is sputum negative, it is safe for children to come in contact with him and stay in the same house. However, this does not apply to other tests for tuberculosis. Hope this will be helpful to you. Regards.