Diagnosing Tuberculosis: Key Tests and How They Work | TB Treatment in Delhi

At Chest Clinic, one of the best tuberculosis treatment clinics in Delhi, we understand the critical importance of diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) promptly and accurately. TB is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With advancements in medical diagnostics, we offer a range of tests tailored to detect TB effectively, ensuring timely treatment and prevention of transmission. If you’re seeking TB treatment in Delhi, our clinic provides expert care with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Here’s an overview of the key diagnostic methods we employ:

Chest X-Ray
Chest X-rays provide a quick and non-invasive way to identify abnormalities in the lungs associated with TB. Typical findings include cavities, enlarged lymph nodes, and miliary nodules. While chest X-rays are an important initial screening tool, their accuracy is limited as other conditions like pneumonia or pleural effusion can show similar patterns. At Chest Clinic, we use X-rays in conjunction with other diagnostic methods to enhance accuracy, offering reliable care for those seeking the best tuberculosis treatment in Delhi.

Sputum Testing
Sputum examination is a cornerstone in diagnosing active TB:

1. Microscopy: A sample of sputum is stained and examined for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). A positive result confirms the presence of TB bacteria.
2. GeneXpert MTB/RIF: This advanced molecular test detects TB bacteria DNA and rifampicin resistance within two hours, enabling rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant TB. Recommended by the National TB Program of India, GeneXpert is a first-line diagnostic tool at our clinic.
3. Culture Testing: The gold standard for TB diagnosis, AFB culture or MGIT TB culture, is highly sensitive and identifies drug resistance. Although it provides detailed information, culture testing can take 6-8 weeks for results. For cases with low bacterial load, culture remains the most reliable method.

When children cannot provide sputum samples, we use alternative methods like gastric lavage or induced sputum tests to ensure accurate results.

Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
In cases where routine methods are inconclusive, bronchoscopy allows us to directly visualize the airways and obtain lung samples via BAL. This technique is invaluable for diagnosing complex TB cases and assessing airway damage caused by the disease. If you’re looking for the best tuberculosis doctor in Delhi, our specialists provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions.

CT Scans
Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide detailed, cross-sectional images of the chest, revealing TB-related damage and complications. While CT scans are not first-line diagnostic tools, they are essential in complex cases. However, they cannot confirm the presence of TB bacteria, which requires microbiological testing. We use CT scans judiciously due to their higher cost and radiation exposure.

Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
The Mantoux test, or Tuberculin Skin Test, is widely used to detect latent TB infection (LTBI). A small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected into the forearm, and the reaction is assessed after 48-72 hours. Although effective in identifying LTBI, the test cannot distinguish between latent and active TB. At Chest Clinic, we interpret results carefully, considering factors like BCG vaccination history and immunocompromised conditions, which can lead to false positives or negatives.

Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs)
Blood tests like QuantiFERON-TB Gold and T-SPOT.TB measure immune response to TB antigens. These tests are ideal for diagnosing latent TB and have the advantage of not being influenced by BCG vaccination. While more specific than TST, IGRAs are costlier and require advanced lab facilities.

Choosing the Right Test at Chest Clinic
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective TB treatment. At Chest Clinic, recognized for offering TB treatment in Delhi, we use a combination of diagnostic tools to ensure precision and reliability. The choice of tests depends on:

• Whether TB is suspected to be active or latent.
• Patient history, including prior TB exposure or treatment.
• Resource availability and clinical requirements.

By leveraging the latest technologies and adhering to evidence-based practices, we aim to diagnose TB early, enabling effective treatment and reducing its transmission.

If you’re searching for the best tuberculosis doctor in Delhi or require expert TB treatment in Delhi, trust Chest Clinic—your partner in respiratory health.