Tb Rrna Pcr Blood

This test is used to detect the presence of bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the blood sample of an individual. The test is sensitive and can detect any active extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB infection apart form lungs).

What is Tuberculosis TB?

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. The disease can spread through the air from one person to another if exposed to cough, sneeze from the individual. Individuals who are suffering from TB 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.

The bacteria can infect other internal organs in Individuals with a decreased immune system. The occurrence of tubercular infection apart from lungs may occur in up to 30% of individuals and is called Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, this may occur in internal organs like kidneys, genital organs, skin, joints, bones, membranes of the heart, abdominal wall, etc. The tubercular infection in genital organs like the fallopian tubes, endometrium, cervix, vagina, etc.may affect fertility in women.

What is rRNA?

DNA and RNA are the types of genetic material useful for the growth and replication of an organism. The 16S rRNA (Ribosomal RNA) and 16srDNA (Ribosomal DNA) are the types of genetic material present within the bacterial cells.

What is PCR?

PCR or polymerase chain reaction is a testing procedure useful in detecting the cellular components even in the smallest of concentration. The procedure involves isolating and amplifying the target protein through various techniques and measuring the concentration. This test is useful in detecting the presence of any infections or genetic conditions which whose test results were negative in previous tests.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to check the presence of bacteria which causes tuberculosis in the blood sample of an individual. TThe 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 has developed resistance to TB drugs such as rifampicin. Mostly, this test is done along with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

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 infection and the individual is not suffering from tuberculosis.

In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there is Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the individual is likely to be infected with tuberculosis bacteria.