Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood
Understanding Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood
What is Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood?
The Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test is used to detect the presence of genetic material of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) or Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM/ MOTT) in the blood. This test aids in the early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB), a highly infectious disease.
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.
What is Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood used for?
The Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test is done:
- For the early detection of tuberculosis (TB) infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- To help diagnose infections caused by Non tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM).
- To identify conditions that may mimic tuberculosis symptoms.
- To identify TB in individuals with symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
- To screen individuals with recent TB exposure or travel to affected regions.
- To evaluate TB in healthcare workers.
What does Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood measure?
The Tuberculosis DNA PCR - Qualitative, Blood test measures the presence of genetic material (DNA) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This test detects specific DNA sequences of the TB bacteria in the blood sample. By identifying the genetic material of M. tuberculosis , the test can determine whether an individual has been infected with TB.