Anjali Mehta Anjali Mehta Asked 4 months ago

What do you need for a tb test?

My father's friend recently got diagnosed with TB, and now our family doctor is recommending tests for everyone who was in close contact. I'm a bit nervous, so I want to know, what exactly do they need for a TB test? Is it just a blood sample or something else?

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6 answers

Rajesh Gupta Rajesh Gupta Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago
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You basically need a doctor's prescription for a Mantoux skin test or an IGRA blood test. The skin test is much cheaper, usually around 200-300 rupees at government-authorized labs, so plan accordingly.

Kiran Bedi Kiran Bedi Joined May 2026 4 months ago

You will need to get either a blood test or a sputum test done as advised by a pulmonologist. When my brother had TB, we delayed the tests, which led to severe lung infection, so please visit a government chest clinic immediately.

Sanjay Dutt Sanjay Dutt Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

You need a proper consultation with a chest specialist who will write the correct test, like sputum culture or Mantoux. Don't self-diagnose or delay this, as TB spreads fast and needs immediate medical supervision for safety.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Amit Saxena Amit Saxena Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

You just need a doctor's referral for a Mantoux skin test or a chest X-ray to diagnose TB properly.

Shalini Iyer Shalini Iyer Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I remember feeling so scared and anxious when my doctor asked for a TB test. You just need a simple blood sample or a small skin prick, and it is over quickly. Stay strong, the diagnosis is the first step to getting completely cured.

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Deepa Nair Deepa Nair Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

I agree. You will need a prescription for a chest X-ray and sputum test, which can be done easily at any local government hospital.

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