Tuberculosis

Tests for TB in the lungs

If you have symptoms of active TB (see tuberculosis) in your lungs, you should be offered tests by a healthcare professional. These could include a chest X‑ray and tests on samples of sputum coughed up from the lungs. If the tests find any TB bacteria in your sputum, you are more likely to pass TB on to other people. This is called smear‑positive TB. If no bacteria are seen, but other tests show you have TB, this is called smear‑negative TB.

Tests for TB in other parts of the body

If you might have TB in another part of your body, other than your lungs, a doctor may need to check whether it contains TB bacteria. This may involve removing a small sample of tissue (called a biopsy) or using a needle to remove a few cells or fluid from the affected area. You should also have a chest X‑ray to find out whether it is in your lungs as well.

If you have TB that has spread to other parts of your body, a healthcare professional should offer you extra tests to see whether the TB is in your brain or spinal cord. This should include a test called a lumbar puncture (a small amount of the fluid around your spinal cord is removed through a needle). You may need a scan, such as a CT or MRI, as well. If you have TB in the spine and have signs that the nerves in the spinal cord are affected (such as weakness, numbness or tingling), you should be offered a scan to see whether you have TB inside your spinal cord.

While you are waiting for your results

You may need to start treatment before the test results come back.