The TB culture and drug susceptibility looks at growth of TB bacteria and which medicines they resist. It is done for: drug-resistant TB suspicion, treatment failure.
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Drug-resistant TB suspicion, treatment failure.
Sputum samples as instructed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: TB grown; resistance pattern guides treatment. Low or negative may mean: No growth. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Growth of TB bacteria and which medicines they resist.
Sputum
TB grown; resistance pattern guides treatment.
No growth.
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex — always use the range printed on your own report.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does the TB culture and drug susceptibility measure?
Growth of TB bacteria and which medicines they resist.
Why is the TB culture and drug susceptibility done?
Drug-resistant TB suspicion, treatment failure.
Do I need to fast for the TB culture and drug susceptibility?
Sputum samples as instructed.
What does a high or positive TB culture and drug susceptibility mean?
TB grown; resistance pattern guides treatment.
What does a low or negative TB culture and drug susceptibility mean?
No growth.
What is the normal range for the TB culture and drug susceptibility?
Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report.
Why is TB culture and drug susceptibility done?
Drug-resistant TB suspicion, treatment failure.
Do I need to prepare or fast for TB culture and drug susceptibility?
Sputum samples as instructed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: TB grown; resistance pattern guides treatment. Low or negative may mean: No growth. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
SI text CC BY 4.0; decoder reference data (cited per range); LOINC codes free with attribution (notice included).
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references