TB Sensitivity (Kanamycin) Test

There are several TB checks available to diagnosis Mycobacterium Tuberculosis condition. TB Sensitivity (Kanamycin) test is helpful to find out whether someone has TB bacteria that are susceptible to TB drug treatment or are drug resistant. Beside the conventional direct method the indirect testing uses two methods, namely, microplate Alamar blue colorimetric method and the Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) system. TB requires a lengthy course of multiple antibiotics to eradicate an active infection. If an individual is not properly tested chances are he might have latent infection which ought to develop in the future.

No special preparation is needed for TB sensitivity test. Nothing specific in food or drink has to be avoided. Your doctor should be updated of any medical condition, present or past. If you are on any medications or have any allergies tell the allergist before undergoing TB Sensitivity test. Depending upon your condition your doctor will give specific instruction whether to stop your medicine intake or not. Wear sleeveless shirt, the test requires blood sample.

The Results interpretation is used to examine the presence or absence of sensitivity and direct the treatment. The technician takes three samples for reference. This increases the prospect of identifying the microbes. You comes out clean if the result is negative and the symptoms may be caused by something infection causing agent other than mycobacteria, or that the mycobacteria were not present in sufficient numbers. However, a negative result does not confirm you are free from a mycobacterial infection and still a bit of suspicion will be there. Additional samples may be collected and tested on different days. A smear negative sample may still grow mycobacteria since the culture media allows low numbers of bacteria that cannot be seen in a microscopic examination to multiply and be detected. Positive result indicate a probable mycobacterial infection. However, a culture must be performed to confirm a diagnosis and identify the species of mycobacteria present.

The TB test involves injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin in the lower arm. Then the person must return after 48 to 72 hours. The health care worker will look for a raised hard area or swelling on your arm, and if there is one they will measure its size. The person is confirmed for the infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis if the size of the affected area is larger.