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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Tuberculosis Be Diagnosed?

Hi! I recently took a sputum test and was told that it came out positive to M. Tuberculosis. However, I undergo genexpert and it came out negative. I would like to ask which is the more reliable test to confirm TB?Hope to get an answer soon.Thanks a lot!
posted on Sat, 6 May 2017
Twitter Sun, 4 Jun 2017 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 6 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Sputum test alone can't be reliable for TB diagnosis if patient is asymptomatic. Clinical correlation is needed in your case. Your chest x-ray and sputum culture also can be done. GeneXpert detects DNA of tuberculosis so it is a reliable test. Hence, consult a nearby pulmonologist for examination (especially lymph nodes palpation) and get started your Akt.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Parth Goswami
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How Can Tuberculosis Be Diagnosed?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Sputum test alone can t be reliable for TB diagnosis if patient is asymptomatic. Clinical correlation is needed in your case. Your chest x-ray and sputum culture also can be done. GeneXpert detects DNA of tuberculosis so it is a reliable test. Hence, consult a nearby pulmonologist for examination (especially lymph nodes palpation) and get started your Akt. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Parth Goswami