Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can also impact other organs. Due to its airborne transmission, early detection is crucial to prevent its spread and potential complications.

Your doctor may recommend the Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test if you exhibit symptoms such as persistent cough, blood in sputum, fever, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, chills, night sweats , or fatigue. Individuals with recent exposure to TB , travelers to affected regions, those with weak immune systems, healthcare workers and participants in TB screening programmes can benefit from the Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test. Additionally, this test helps evaluate treatment efficacy and assess drug resistance. 

The Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test utilizes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to amplify and detect specific DNA sequences of M. tuberculosis or Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM/ MOTT) in your blood sample. This qualitative test provides a highly sensitive and specific identification of TB infection, even in cases with low bacterial loads.

No special preparation is required before undertaking the Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test. However, it is suggested to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, as few of them may  potentially influence the test results.   

Test results for the Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test are interpreted as either positive or negative. The interpretation of these results may vary slightly between laboratories due to differences in methodology and laboratory guidelines. It is important to discuss your test results with your doctor, who will consider other factors such as your medical history, symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and additional test results to establish a diagnosis of TB disease accurately.