QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
The Mantoux test is used to test for latent disease (when there are no symptoms), either before receiving the BCG vaccine or if there has been recent contact with a person with tuberculosis. This patient has an active tuberculosis infection so the best way to confirm the diagnosis is with a sputum culture.
10023661
b
Mantoux test
QuestionChoice
An ECG will not help detect or confirm tuberculosis, but it might help detect any cardiac abnormalities.
10023664
e
ECG
QuestionChoice
A chest x-ray might show that there is shadowing within the lung fields, however, it will not give a definite diagnosis of tuberculosis infection. There is usually lung cavitation and hilar lymph node shadowing on a chest x-ray during a tuberculosis infection.
10023662
c
Chest x-ray
QuestionChoice
This is the correct answer as this patient has an active tuberculosis infection, therefore obtaining a sputum culture to look for acid-fast bacilli is the best way to confirm the diagnosis.
10023660
a
Sputum culture
QuestionChoice
This is used to test for latent disease, not active tuberculosis. It is a lot more sensitive and specific than Mantoux so allows for detection in immunosuppressed patients. It works because memory T cells release IFN-gamma upon detection of *M. tuberculosis* antigens which can be detected by a machine.
10023663
d
IFN-gamma release assay
Concept
Chapter
2693
4331
Tuberculosis
Topic
194
Infectious Diseases
17130
A 34-year-old male presents to the GP with blood-streaked sputum. He has recently returned from Nigeria. The medical team suspect tuberculosis.

Which investigation should be used to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis?
a