Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Any of the signs and symptoms already discussed may be an indication of the disease. Seek help at your clinic or hospital if you have these symptoms. There are four steps in diagnosing TB disease: medical history, tuberculin skin test, chest x-ray, and bacteriologic examination. The tuberculin skin test is used to determine whether a person has TB infection. This kind of skin test is preferred by the doctors because it is the most accurate. The germs are found in the sputum (spit), when tested in a laboratory. A skin test done on children by a nurse or doctor can be an indication. It is advised that all children under five years of age who come into contact with someone infected with TB should be tested. If they are also infected they may receive treatment immediately. It is important to do lung x-rays at a clinic or hospital because this may reveal cavities or changes in the lungs.
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