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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Rapid Sputum Tests for Tuberculosis (TB)

Rapid Sputum Tests for Tuberculosis (TB)

Test Overview

A rapid sputum tests is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) when other tests show that a person probably has TB. Rapid sputum tests are also called nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).

One of the best ways to diagnose TB is through a sputum culture. A sputum culture is a test to find germs (such as TB bacteria) that can cause an infection. A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of bacteria. If no bacteria grow, the culture is negative. If bacteria grow, the culture is positive. If TB bacteria grow, then the person has tuberculosis. The test also can show if a lung infection is caused by some other kind of bacteria. A normal sputum culture can take 1 to 8 weeks to provide results.

A rapid sputum test can tell if a person has TB within 24 hours. A test may be done when:footnote 1

  • A person is thought to have TB, but confirmation is needed before sputum culture results will be ready.
  • A person may be infected with bacteria other than TB bacteria.
  • A person who may have TB has been close to other people who will need treatment if they have been exposed.
References

References

Citations

  1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). Updated guidelines for the use of nucleic acid amplification tests in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. MMWR, 58(01): 7–10. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5801a3.htm?s_cid=mm5801a3_e.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Sputum Culture Tuberculosis (TB) Sputum Cytology

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