This test is used to find out whether the individual is infected with tuberculosis TB or not by using a sample of pleural fluid.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTB. Generally, TB affects the lungs and sometimes it can also affect other organs and parts of the body. MTB is airborne and can spread through the air from one person to another. Individuals who are suffering from TB may experience symptoms such as cough which lasts more than 2-3 weeks, cough with blood, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, fever, night sweats, etc.
What is Pleural fluid?
The space between the chest wall and lungs is called the pleural cavity, the pleural cavity is made of two pleura called as the outer pleura or parietal pleura and inner or visceral pleura. The space between these pleura is filled by a small amount of fluid also called the pleural fluid. The pleural fluid lubricates the lungs and prevents the friction between the chest wall and lungs. The volume and composition of pleural fluid may change due to an imbalance of pressure of liquid between the blood vessels (Cirrhosis, heart failure), pancreatic diseases or disorders, cancers (lung and pancreatic cancers), infections (Pneumonia, tuberculosis), autoimmune disorders, etc.
Why this test Is performed?
This test is performed to check the presence of tuberculosis DNA in the pleural fluid of an individual. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as long-lasting cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, fever, etc.
If you are on treatment for tuberculosis, then the doctor may ask you to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and to check whether the bacterium is resistant to TB drugs such as rifampicin. Mostly, this test is done along with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Precautions:
Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Tb Genexpert Pcr Pleural Fluid. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Tb Genexpert Pcr Pleural Fluid.
The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test results are negative it may indicate that there is no Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and not suffering from tuberculosis.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there is Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and suffering from tuberculosis.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| MALE | All age groups | A positive result implies tuberculosis detection |
| FEMALE | All age groups | A positive result implies tuberculosis detection |