Test Details & Preparation

The TB-PCR is one of the tests which may be used to confirm an infection of Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis which usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It may cause pulmonary tuberculosis and other infections such as those of the skin and abdomen. It is spread through the air when people who have the disease cough, sneeze, or spit.

The TB-PCR test is used to distinguish M. tuberculosis from other Mycobacteria. Common symptoms when the TB-PCR test is done include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, chills, loss of appetite, regular coughing, blood in sputum, painful breathing and coughing.

When TB severely spreads in the lungs it shows the following symptoms include chest pain, coughing up blood and prolonged cough for more than three weeks.

A blood sample is needed for a TB-PCR test. No Fasting or special preparation is required for a TB-PCR test. A positive TB-PCR test result means you are infected whereas a negative TB-PCR test result means that there is no infection in your body.