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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should One Get A TB Blood Test For Persistent Cough?

I was out of the country at the end of January for 2 weeks visiting New and Old Delhi, The Seychelles and the Dubai. My partner and I developed horrible colds the 2nd week we were there, and eventually coughs. I had all of the necessary immunizations prior to entering these countries. Although my cold has almost completely disappeared, I still have this tickle of an annoying cough. I have RA, and have my blood checked every 2 months. After seeing my rheumatologist the first part of February, with a clean bill of health, he said that as a precautionary test, he was going to add a TB test to my April routine blood work. He said there was no urgency. So, on that note, should I go in and have the TB test done earlier? My partner and I are pescatarians, exercise regularly, eat almost no processed food, and take daily supplements.
Fri, 27 Oct 2017
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Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No need for urgency for TB blood test.
You are healthy and fit. You can have also taken immunization prior to your visit.
So possibility of tuberculosis is very very less in your case.
So no need to go for TB test now.
Wait for your next blood work up and get done TB test at that time.
Don't worry, you will not have positive TB test.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Should One Get A TB Blood Test For Persistent Cough?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. No need for urgency for TB blood test. You are healthy and fit. You can have also taken immunization prior to your visit. So possibility of tuberculosis is very very less in your case. So no need to go for TB test now. Wait for your next blood work up and get done TB test at that time. Don t worry, you will not have positive TB test. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.