Bacteriologic testing is performed in clients with suspected TB disease to confirm the diagnosis. A stained sputum smear is examined microscopically for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tubercle bacillus), and a culture identifies the growth of the microorganisms. Collect an early morning sputum sterile specimen on 3 consecutive days for an acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture. Fluids and/or expectorants can be given at bedtime to help liquefy secretions. It is usually easier for clients to produce a specimen upon awakening as secretions collect in the airways during the night.
(Option 1) Blood cultures that identify microorganism in the blood are not usually obtained. to confirm a diagnosis of TB.
(Option 2) Nose cultures are routinely performed to determine the presence of methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus but are not performed to confirm a diagnosis of TB.
(Option 4) The Quanti FERON-TB blood test is performed to screen for TB and can be used as an alternate to the TST. The advantages it offers include the following: there are fewer false-positive results, only a single client visit is required, and results are available in 24 hours. However, it is more expensive.
Educational objective: An AFB sputum culture and smear test are performed to detect the presence of M. tuberculosis and confirm a diagnosis of TB
Bacteriologic testing is performed in clients with suspected TB disease to confirm the diagnosis. A stained sputum smear is examined microscopically for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tubercle bacillus), and a culture identifies the growth of the microorganisms. Collect an early morning sputum sterile specimen on 3 consecutive days for an acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture. Fluids and/or expectorants can be given at bedtime to help liquefy secretions. It is usually easier for clients to produce a specimen upon awakening as secretions collect in the airways during the night.
(Option 1) Blood cultures that identify microorganism in the blood are not usually obtained. to confirm a diagnosis of TB.
(Option 2) Nose cultures are routinely performed to determine the presence of methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus but are not performed to confirm a diagnosis of TB.
(Option 4) The Quanti FERON-TB blood test is performed to screen for TB and can be used as an alternate to the TST. The advantages it offers include the following: there are fewer false-positive results, only a single client visit is required, and results are available in 24 hours. However, it is more expensive.
Educational objective: An AFB sputum culture and smear test are performed to detect the presence of M. tuberculosis and confirm a diagnosis of TB
