What is tuberculosis test

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This phase can last for a very long time — even many years. TB germs are active and spreading. They are damaging tissue in your body. Your chest x-ray is usually normal. You usually feel sick. Your doctor will do special tests to find where TB is harming your body.

If the TB germs are in your lungs, you can spread TB to other people by coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing. Usually treated by taking one medicine for 9 months.

Treated by taking 3 or 4 TB medicines for at least 6 months. Back to Tuberculosis TB. Several tests are used to diagnose tuberculosis TB , depending on the type of TB suspected.

Diagnosing pulmonary TB — TB that affects the lungs — can be difficult, and several tests are usually needed. You may have a chest X-ray to look for changes in the appearance of your lungs that are suggestive of TB.

Samples of phlegm will also often be taken and checked for the presence of TB bacteria. You may also have a lumbar puncture , where a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid CSF is taken from the base of your spine. CSF is fluid that surrounds the brain. The sample can be checked to see whether TB has infected your brain and spinal cord central nervous system. In some circumstances, you may need to have a test to check for latent TB — where you've been infected with TB bacteria, but do not have any symptoms.