Can a blood test detect pulmonary tuberculosis?

After the onset of tuberculosis, prompt treatment is necessary; otherwise, symptoms such as hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and coughing may worsen. Tuberculosis is a respiratory infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and can be treated with medication. Can blood tests detect pulmonary tuberculosis?

Can blood tests detect pulmonary tuberculosis?

Blood tests are unlikely to detect pulmonary tuberculosis effectively. The gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis involves sputum culture and acid-fast bacilli testing based on the characteristics of sputum. Only through these methods can a definitive diagnosis be made, supplemented by tuberculin skin tests and PPD tests. From a comprehensive clinical perspective, combining patient symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fever, and night sweats helps establish an accurate diagnosis. Blood tests cannot reliably identify tuberculosis in clinical practice and should not serve as a basis for diagnosis. Specialized tuberculosis-related laboratory tests are required. Once tuberculosis is suspected or confirmed, patients should seek systematic and standardized treatment at a designated tuberculosis hospital.

To prevent spread, it's important to develop healthy habits such as not spitting in public places. Sputum from tuberculosis patients should be disinfected by incineration or chemical agents. Regular health screenings for adolescents should be conducted to enable early detection, isolation, and treatment. Additionally, timely administration of the BCG vaccine for infants and young children—recorded and managed through medical education networks—can help the body develop immunity and reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.

In daily life, maintaining healthy living and dietary habits is essential. We hope this information has been helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness.