TB PCR Test - Price, Normal Range, Results, Procedure, & More

Table of Content

Introduction TB PCR Test 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is known as molecular biology assay. It is a technique to detect DNA in vitro based on thermal cycles. PCR test for tuberculosis (TB) has a high value. It helps in rapid diagnostic methods of pulmonary tuberculosis. Healthcare professionals may perform it through blood samples, tissues, fluids, and sputum. The PCR technique enables healthcare professionals to diagnose diseases, test for microbial pathogens, determine the sex of embryos, decode genetics, create new varieties with targeted mutations, and study the molecular-level evolution of organisms. 

TB is an infection that can lead to severe health issues if not detected and cured. To detect TB, have a regular checkup. You can also take the TB PCR test from Redcliffe Labs for INR 2200. 

Test Details in Brief 

What Does The TB PCR Test Measure?

Tuberculosis is the biggest cause of mortality. The ratio is one by 10, i.e., TB can spread to 10 people from 1 person. With the TB PCR Test, doctors can detect the presence of mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can measure the DNA & RNA (genetic measure) of the bacterium in a patient’s sample through blood, sputum, fluids, urine, and tissues. 

Doctors consider the TB PCR test a great alternative to traditional testing methods because of its speed and accuracy in detecting TB infection. 

What is the TB PCR Test Used For?

The TB PCR is used for many purposes:

• Diagnosing Active Tuberculosis: The TB PCR test detects the presence of mycobacterium tuberculosis. By identifying a patient’s DNA or RNA through blood, sputum, urine, or fluid, this test assists in confirming an active TB infection. 
• Detecting Drug Resistance: The TB PCR test can also identify genetic mutations linked to specific anti-TB drugs. It is crucial to select the most effective treatment regimen and manage multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant TB. 
• Diagnosing Extrapulmonary TB: The TB PCR test can diagnose TB when it affects body parts other than the lungs, such as lymph nodes, bones, or kidneys. 
• Monitoring treatment response: Although less common, the test can sometimes be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment by detecting residual bacterial genetic material, helping to guide ongoing management of the infection. 
• Screening and surveillance: In some settings, TB PCR tests are used to screen individuals at high risk for TB or for surveillance in outbreak situations to identify and isolate infectious cases. 

Unlike the traditional method, the TB PCR test is known for its speed, sensitivity, and ability to provide detailed information that helps guide treatment and control measures for tuberculosis. 

Symptoms of TB PCR Test

Certain diseases have common symptoms and signs. Cough is a known sign of TB, but many other signs and symptoms exist. Here are some symptoms that can help in detecting TB and the need for a TB PCR Test: 

• Fatigue 
• Fever
• Chest pain 
• Painful coughing 
• Painful breathing 
• Night sweats 
• Chills 
• Persistent and prolonged cough 
• Blood in sputum 
• Blood coughing 
• Cough for more than three weeks
• Loss of appetite
• Unwanted weight loss 

If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical care. 

Why Would A Doctor Recommend the TB PCR Test?

The above-listed symptoms are one reason a doctor would recommend the TB PCR Test. However, other reasons include: 

1. Weak immune system 
2. People with HIV/AIDS
3. Long-term corticosteroid use 
4. History of chest trauma 
5. Alcohol abuse 
6. Gastric bypass surgery amputation
7. Chronic colon 
8. Parasitic diseases 
9. Pneumonia 
10. Viral disease 
11. Hydatic cyst 
12. Sarcoidosis 
13. Lung dust 
14. Pulmonary infarction 
15. Pulmonary fibrosis 
16. Vasculitis 

If a doctor sees any of these symptoms, they might suggest taking the TB PCR test. Get it from Redcliffe Labs. We are India’s trusted diagnostic laboratory. We offer 3600+ tests, making them affordable and accessible for every Indian. Our TB PCR test price is INR 2200, competitive and reasonable per market standards. We aim to deliver timely and 100% accurate test results. To meet this criterion, our skilled team utilizes high-quality products and technology to meet society's demands. Our phlebotomists will visit your place to collect samples. 

Preparation of TB PCR Test 

Our phlebotomists are DMLT-certified, ensuring a seamless test collection procedure. The collection procedure allows for the collection of the sample type through tissue, menstrual blood samples, sputum, urine, or fluids. The TB PCR test needs no special preparations. Remember, to not disturb your daily lifestyle, further, you can follow these guidelines. 

• The TB PCR test does not require a diet change, so follow your routine diet unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise. 
• Hydration is important for keeping body cells stable. Drink eight glasses or four liters of water a day. 
• Keep your mind stress-free. Stress can affect brain cells, the immune system, and the gut. It's better to keep your mind stress-free. Also, the test is not complicated. There is no need to worry about the test.
• Clear all your doubts with the doctor before the test. This can keep your mind calm and prevent report fluctuations. 
• Don’t overeat before the TB PCR test. 
• Avoid lifting heavy weights or exercising a day or two before the TB PCR test. 
• Indulge into meditational activity such as deep-breathing exercise or yoga. 

Procedure of TB PCR Test 

Our phlebotomist can conduct the TB PCR test through tissue, menstrual blood samples, sputum, urine, or fluids. Our phlebotomists are experts in executing seamless tests. Here is the TB PCR test procedure they will follow: 

Blood Test 

• At first, they will tie a band around your upper arm to detect a vein. 
• After finding the correct vein, clean the site with an alcohol disinfectant to prevent contamination. 
• With the help of a sterile syringe, they will collect blood and store it in a container. 
• They will put a cotton ball or adhesive tape at the punctured site to prevent bleeding. 
• The test procedure is simple, and you will receive your reports within three days. 

Tissue Test 

• Our phlebotomist will wear proper gloves and a lab coat, i.e. PPE kit. 
• They will use a sterile instrument to obtain the tissue sample from the designated area. 
• Store the collected tissue in a container. Label it with details like time, place, and name.
• Later, in a temperature-controlled bag, hand it over to a pathologist for testing. 
• You will receive your report within three days. 

Sputum Test 

• Our phlebotomist will ask you to cough deeply to remove the sputum from the lungs. 
• They will ask you to spit out sputum into a small cup. A minimum of 2 milliliters of sputum is required for testing. 
• To have smooth results, take three deep breaths before you cough forcefully. 
• If you struggle to spit out, they might tap on your chest to loosen the sputum. They might also suggest taking a steam-like mist to help you cough. 
• Once the pathologist collects the sputum sample, they will place it on a special plate that helps detect bacteria or other pathogens present in the sputum. 

Urine Test

• Drinking enough fluid before the test is advisable to have a seamless urine sample collection procedure. 
• For urine sample collection, the first pee in the morning is needed.
• Our phlebotomist will hand over a container in which you should collect urine. 
• After carefully collecting samples, hand it over to our phlebotomist. 
• Later, they will label it with details such as time, place, and name. 
• After handing over the urine sample, wait three days for the reports.

Risks Associated With The TB PCR Test 

Although our phlebotomists have enough experience and skill to perform a seamless test collection procedure, there are some risks associated with each sample collection type after the procedure. Here is a separate list of the dangers of performing certain sample collections. 

Blood Test 

• Infection if the site is contaminated. 
• Allergy (specifically skin allergy)
• Excessive blood loss
• Weakness 
• Fatigue and nausea
• Slight pain 

Tissue Test 

• Saliva or oral flora contamination 
• Blood from vascular areas 
• Pain and discomfort 
• Tissue Damage 
• Wound healing infection

Sputum Test

• Saliva or oral flora contamination
• Spread of infection 
• Coughing or gag reflex 
• Improper sample handling 

Urine Test

• External contaminants affect results. 
• Risk of UTI 
• Degradation or alteration 
• Discomfort for patient privacy concerns 
• False results 

Interpretation of The TB PCR Test Results 

The TB PCR test normal range of the induration is 0-15 millimeters at increments of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm. A larger induration is considered if it exceeds 15 mm, while a small reaction is defined if it is less than 4 mm. The size of the swelling differs for children, people with HIV, and other high-risk groups.

Interpreting Abnormal Results of TB PCR 

If your test reports indicate abnormal results, you are infected with the TB-causing bacteria Mycobacterium. Abnormal results also indicate active TB. Better treatment can lower the risk of infection. Let’s understand the reasons behind positive and negative test results. 

Small Reaction

If the reports show a reaction of 5mm or more of firm swelling, you have a small reaction. Here are the reasons that indicate a small reaction: 

• HIV or AIDS 
• Have had an organ transplant 
• Steroid therapy
• A suppressed immune system
• In contact with an active TB person 
• Changes on a chest x-ray that looks like past TB. 

Larger Reaction 

If reports show an infection of 10 mm or more, you have a large reaction. Here are the reasons that indicate a larger reaction: 

• Work at healthcare 
• Negative test results in the past two years
• Diabetes, kidney failure
• Injection drug 
• Immigrants from a high TB rate country 
• Location settings, such as prisons, nursing homes, and homeless shelters
• Infants, children, or adolescents who are exposed to high-risk adults. 

TB PCR Test Price 

Redcliffe Labs has over 3600 tests. The TB PCR test price is INR 2200. Our test prices are affordable and accessible for every Indian. Our team consists of experienced doctors, MD Pathologists, and DMLT-certified pathologists. Over 50,000 trust us all over India. Along with this reasonable and affordable price, you can avail yourself of value benefits worth INR 999/- for free, including on-demand report consultation, personalized diet chart, and comparative health progress reports. 

TB PCR Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer TB PCR Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book The TB PCR Test From Redcliffe Labs

The symptoms of tuberculosis can be life-threatening. You should not ignore the signs and symptoms of a TB PCR test. We are not only cost-effective but also provide 100% accurate test results. Our labs follow NABL and ISO guidelines. We are present in 220+ cities with 80+ labs and 2000+ collection centers with home collection services. 

Get the TB PCR test price for INR 2200. Our expert team of doctors, pathologists, technicians, and phlebotomists is up-to-date with the latest technology. Our internal team undergoes 50+ internal and external quality checks regularly. 

Redcliffe Labs organizes health camps every Sunday to spread awareness about health. Our TB PCR test is affordable and accessible throughout India. Book your TB PCR test from Redcliffe Labs today!