What does tuberculosis examination mean?
Oct 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, tuberculosis examination refers to the diagnostic evaluation of patients with tuberculosis, including chest X-ray, sputum smear microscopy for tubercle bacilli, mycobacterial culture, tuberculin skin test, and CT scanning. Chest X-ray is one of the routine physical examination procedures; it primarily uses X-rays to detect whether there are any tuberculosis-related lesions in the lungs, such as pulmonary shadows, cavities, or nodules.
Generally, tuberculosis examination refers to the diagnostic evaluation of patients suspected of having tuberculosis, which includes chest X-ray, sputum smear test for tubercle bacilli, mycobacterial culture, tuberculin skin test, and CT scan, among others. Specific details are as follows:
1. Chest X-ray
Chest X-ray is one of the routine physical examination procedures. It uses X-rays to observe whether there are any signs of tuberculosis in the lungs, such as pulmonary shadows, cavities, or nodules.
2. Tubercle Bacilli Smear Test
Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily enters susceptible individuals through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, or damaged skin, causing tuberculosis in various organs and tissues. Pulmonary tuberculosis via respiratory transmission is the most common form. The tubercle bacilli smear test involves collecting sputum or other body fluid samples, staining them, and examining under a microscope to detect the presence of tubercle bacilli.
3. Tubercle Bacilli Culture
Tubercle bacilli culture involves inoculating sputum or other body fluid samples onto a culture medium that supports the growth of mycobacteria, allowing confirmation of the presence and identification of the specific type of tubercle bacilli.
4. Tuberculin Skin Test
This test involves injecting purified protein derivative (PPD) of tubercle bacilli intradermally and observing whether local redness and swelling develop at the injection site, indicating prior exposure or infection with tuberculosis bacteria.
5. CT Scan
CT scanning provides clearer visualization of detailed features of pulmonary tuberculosis lesions, including size, location, and morphology, thereby assisting in diagnosis and treatment planning.
If patients experience any symptoms or discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
