QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This would help detect features like anaemia and leukocytosis, which may be seen in TB. However, it is a non-specific test and alone cannot confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.
10028122
b
Full blood count
QuestionChoice
Although a chest X-ray is a valuable diagnostic tool and can show characteristic findings of TB, such as infiltrates, cavities and pleural effusions, it is not as specific as a sputum sample in confirming the presence of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*.
10028124
d
Chest X-ray
QuestionChoice
Pulmonary function tests are not typically used as the primary diagnostic tests for TB. PFTs are used to assess lung function and are more useful for conditions like COPD, asthma and interstitial lung diseases.
10028125
e
Pulmonary function tests (PFT)
QuestionChoice
Serum urea and electrolytes is not a primary diagnostic test for TB.
10028123
c
Urea and electrolytes
QuestionChoice
Sputum samples can be examined under microscopy for the presence of acid-fast bacilli, characteristic of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. It is a specific diagnostic test for confirming pulmonary TB.
10028121
a
Sputum samples and microscopy
Concept
Chapter
2693
3697
Tuberculosis
Topic
132
Respiratory
18022
A 35-year-old man presents to a respiratory clinic with a 2-month history of persistent cough, weight loss and night sweats. He mentions that he was in contact with a family member with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) 6 months ago.

On examination, he has decreased breath sounds and dullness to percussion over the right upper lung field.

Which of the following investigations is the most specific for confirming the most likely diagnosis in this patient?
a