1. Home
  2. Consult with a doctor
  3. Chest

  4. Tb sputum test. To 3+ or 2+ by now?

Tb sputum test

2017-05-16 09:24:45
Hi I am a 26 year old Indian student in Germany and I was diagnosed with tuberculosis(not drug-resistant) and have been quarantined till I test negative on the sputum smear test..I have tb in my lungs and the doctors say the infection is high...My symptoms(weight loss,fever,night sweats) have gone now and physically i feel fine but it is the 25th day of medication and the sputum test is till 4+ positive..Is that normal?I am aware it takes time to be negative but shouldnt it have improved to 3+ or 2+ by now?
1308 Views

Answers (1)

Get your queries answered instantly with Practo AI FREE

50000+ health queries resolved in last month

Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp

Consult Now
Sputum 4 +  suggests high bacillary load.... However you seem to have clinically responded to treatment....need to compare the radiological response by chest Xray after a months time....Also smear tests detects dead bacilli also.... Also need to check tb culture of sputum

Answered2017-05-16 17:24:24

YESNO

Was this answer useful

Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI

FREE

Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp

Articles you may like

Tuberculosis Control Requires New Technologies and Approaches

Dr. Madhukar Pai

Professor Madhukar Pai, MD, PhDDirector, McGill Global HealthProgramsAssociate Director, McGill International TB CentreM ... Read more

Top 7 Tests Every Woman Above 35 Should Do

Dr.Himani Gupta

Women are constantly juggling and multi-tasking to ensure a balance between work and home. You may often have a huge to- ... Read more

Triple Screen Test

Dr.Pradeepkumar Sandipan Jadhavar

What is Triple Screen Test?The triple screen test is a maternal blood screening test that looks for three specific subst ... Read more

How Does an IQ Test Work?

Mr.Joshua Alphonso

I.Q. which is Intelligence Quotient is something that defines the cognitive ability of an individual. An I.Q. test has a ... Read more

Diagnostic Tests for Females

Dr.Richika Sahay Shukla

We provide testing for fertility by all modalities ranging from reproductive hormones to diagnostic ultrasound to ascert ... Read more

Diagnostic Tests Females

Dr.Richika Sahay Shukla

We provide testing for fertility by all modalities ranging from reproductive hormones to diagnostic ultrasound to ascert ... Read more

Tell us what's troubling you

Want relief from cold & cough?

Consult Now

Down with fever or flu?

Consult Now

Stomach out of order?

Consult Now

Tired of clinic wait times?

Consult Now

Related Questions

Tuberculosis still 4+ in sputum test

217 Views
Hi I am an Indian student in Germany and I was diagnosed with tuberculosis and have been quarantined till ...Read More

This question featured in :

Staph infection in sputum
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.