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

Is PCR Test Reliable To Detect TB Infection?

hi I got my PCR report which tested positive for TB , am put on AKT 4 but after reading few blogs I learnt that it is not a very reliable test , am very confused as I have already started the dose and think should not stop it, is there a test which wud tell me for sure bout the infection.Also, my tubes have not been checked yet , is it safe to get them checked or there r chances that the infection cud spread?Can I stop medications if a confirmatory test is negative for the same? age is 28 trying to conceive for 6 months
Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Tuberculosis is diagnosed by finding Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in a clinical specimen taken from the patient. Generally, the organism is looked for as acid-fast bacilli (AFB) by Zeil-Nelson (ZN) stain.
PCR test is a reliable test for tuberculosis. PCR or gene probe tests can distinguish M. tuberculosis from other mycobacteria. It is mainly used to detect the bactria in extra-pulmonary lesions rather than pulmonary tuberculosis and whose culture is negative.
Once you have been diagnosed and AKT 4 has been started, you need to take the drugs regularly for the specified period even if the tests done are negative. If the treatment is discontinued in between, it gives a chance for organisms to strike back with resistance, which would be difficult to treat.
Once you are done with the treatment course and your evaluation suggests good recovery, you can go ahead for conceiving. Till then, keep it on hold.
Hope the information provided would be useful.
All the best and wish you good health.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. 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
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Is PCR Test Reliable To Detect TB Infection?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. Tuberculosis is diagnosed by finding Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in a clinical specimen taken from the patient. Generally, the organism is looked for as acid-fast bacilli (AFB) by Zeil-Nelson (ZN) stain. PCR test is a reliable test for tuberculosis. PCR or gene probe tests can distinguish M. tuberculosis from other mycobacteria. It is mainly used to detect the bactria in extra-pulmonary lesions rather than pulmonary tuberculosis and whose culture is negative. Once you have been diagnosed and AKT 4 has been started, you need to take the drugs regularly for the specified period even if the tests done are negative. If the treatment is discontinued in between, it gives a chance for organisms to strike back with resistance, which would be difficult to treat. Once you are done with the treatment course and your evaluation suggests good recovery, you can go ahead for conceiving. Till then, keep it on hold. Hope the information provided would be useful. All the best and wish you good health.