Condition-based tests
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing in Hyderabad
TB is curable, and early diagnosis is what protects both the patient and the family. A cough lasting more than two weeks deserves a proper check rather than another course of cough syrup.
- NABL-accredited laboratory
- Home sample collection
- Same-day reports for most blood tests
- Centres across Hyderabad
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About Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium that most often affects the lungs but can involve lymph nodes, bones, the spine, the brain and other organs. India has the largest number of TB cases in the world, so doctors here keep TB in mind for any long-lasting cough or unexplained fever and weight loss.
There are two different situations to test for. Active TB disease causes symptoms and can spread to others; it is diagnosed by finding the bacteria in sputum or tissue. Latent TB infection causes no symptoms and is not infectious, but may become active later, particularly when immunity is low.
Modern molecular tests such as CBNAAT (GeneXpert) can detect TB bacteria within hours and also show resistance to rifampicin, an important first-line medicine.
Who should get tested
- Cough for more than two weeks, especially with phlegm or blood
- Evening fever, night sweats, weight loss or loss of appetite
- Close contacts of a person with TB
- People with diabetes, HIV, kidney disease, or on steroids or other immune-suppressing medicines
- Before starting biologic medicines for arthritis or psoriasis, to check for latent TB
- Swollen neck glands that do not settle
Tuberculosis (TB) tests and packages at Focus Diagnostics
15 options are available for tuberculosis (TB), from single tests to packages. Book online, at any of our Hyderabad centres, or with home sample collection.
What the key tests tell you
- Sputum AFB smear
- Looks for TB bacteria under the microscope. Two samples, including an early-morning one, improve accuracy.
- CBNAAT / GeneXpert
- A molecular test that detects TB DNA within hours and shows rifampicin resistance.
- TB culture
- Grows the bacteria to confirm infection and test which medicines work. It takes several weeks.
- IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold)
- A blood test for TB infection, mainly used to find latent TB. It is not affected by BCG vaccination.
- Mantoux (tuberculin skin test)
- A skin test for TB infection, read after 48–72 hours.
- Chest X-ray
- Shows lung changes that suggest TB and helps decide further tests.
Before your test
- For sputum tests, collect an early-morning sample by coughing deeply, not saliva. Rinse your mouth with plain water first.
- IGRA needs no fasting. Tell us about any steroid or immune-suppressing medicines.
- The Mantoux test needs a return visit after 48–72 hours to read the result.
Understanding your results
A positive IGRA or Mantoux shows TB infection, but cannot tell latent infection from active disease. Symptoms, X-ray and sputum tests decide that.
TB treatment needs a full course of medicines, usually six months or more, taken without breaks. Stopping early can lead to drug-resistant TB. Your doctor will guide treatment through the national TB programme or privately.
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing near you in Hyderabad
Samples are processed in our NABL-accredited laboratory, and reports are shared online so you can view them on your phone. You can walk in at any of our Hyderabad centres or book a home sample collection.
- Punjagutta
- Kukatpally (KPHB)
- Kompally
- Madinaguda
- Chintal (Shapur Nagar)
- Khajaguda (Focus Wellness)
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing: frequently asked questions
Which is the best test for TB?
For active lung TB, sputum testing with CBNAAT (GeneXpert) is the most useful because it is fast and also detects drug resistance. For latent TB, IGRA blood testing is preferred.
Can a blood test diagnose active TB?
IGRA shows TB infection but cannot separate latent infection from active disease. Active TB is confirmed by finding bacteria in sputum or tissue, together with X-ray and symptoms.
Does BCG vaccination affect TB tests?
BCG can make the Mantoux skin test positive. The IGRA blood test is not affected by BCG, so it is preferred in vaccinated adults.
Is TB curable?
Yes. TB is curable with a full course of medicines taken regularly. Early diagnosis also protects family members from infection.
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