hi I got my PCR report which tested positive for TB , am put on AKT 4 but after reading few blogs I learnt that it is not a very reliable test , am very confused as I have already started the dose and think should not stop it, is there a test which wud tell me for sure bout the infection.Also, my tubes have not been checked yet , is it safe to get them checked or there r chances that the infection  cud spread?Can I stop medications if a confirmatory test is negative for the same? age is 28 trying to conceive for 6 months
Hi, Thanks for posting in Chat Doctor. Tuberculosis is diagnosed by finding Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in a clinical specimen taken from the patient. Generally, the organism is looked for as acid-fast bacilli (AFB) by Zeil-Nelson (ZN) stain.PCR test is a reliable test for tuberculosis.  PCR or gene probe tests can distinguish M. tuberculosis from other mycobacteria. It is mainly used to detect the Bactria in extra-pulmonary lesions rather than pulmonary tuberculosis and whose culture is negative. Once you have been diagnosed and AKT 4 has been started, you need to take the Chat Doctor.  If the treatment is discontinued in between, it gives a chance for organisms to strike back with resistance, which would be difficult to treat. Once you are done with the treatment course and your evaluation suggests good recovery, you can go ahead for conceiving. Till then, keep it on hold. Hope the information provided would be useful. All the best and wish you good health.