Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Does The Report Say?
hi i m 27 yrs old female and recently diagnosed with AFB negative but PCR for M.tuberculosis positive....what does it mean....should i go for second opinion or ask the doctor to start my treatment.....and please let me know am i able to conceive or not
thanks
thanks
Mon, 30 Jun 2014
Hi,
If the report is positive, then you do have Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AFB test is done on sputum or on biopsy/cytology smears, but if there are dead bacilli or low counts, it can be missed.
Now, PCR is one of the gold standards and it multiplies and detects the bacterial DNA. So any small amount is usually detected.
I think treatment should be started based on this report.
Correlation with ESR, lymphocytosis and biopsy can also be done for further treatment evaluation.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
If the report is positive, then you do have Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AFB test is done on sputum or on biopsy/cytology smears, but if there are dead bacilli or low counts, it can be missed.
Now, PCR is one of the gold standards and it multiplies and detects the bacterial DNA. So any small amount is usually detected.
I think treatment should be started based on this report.
Correlation with ESR, lymphocytosis and biopsy can also be done for further treatment evaluation.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
I find this answer helpful
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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....