Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Infections

  • Authors: Richard E. Chaisson, MD (More Info)
  • Editors in Chief: Daniel R. Kuritzkes, MD; Joseph J. Eron, Jr., MD
  • Last Reviewed: 3/30/17 (What's New)

Summary

  • Diagnostic workup for patients with suspected TB should ideally include the following tests:
    • 2-3 sputum specimens collected ≥ 6 hours apart for acid-fast bacilli smear, mycobacterial culture, identification and drug-susceptibility testing to first-line drugs, OR
    • 1-3 sputum specimens for the GeneXpert MTB/RIF rapid molecular assay, AND

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Keywords: Tuberculosis

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