Tuberculosis Diagnostics

Tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics involve several methods to detect the infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most common test is the tuberculin skin test, where a small amount of protein is injected under the skin, and the reaction is evaluated after 48-72 hours. Another method is the blood test, which measures the immune response to TB proteins. For those with active TB, chest X-rays and sputum tests (analyzing mucus from the lungs) are used to confirm the disease. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and preventing the spread of TB.