A patient with suspected tuberculosis undergoes initial testing. Which diagnostic method is most sensitive for detecting active TB infection?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Sputum nucleic acid amplification
NAAT detects M. tuberculosis DNA and provides rapid and sensitive results. It is more reliable than smear alone for active disease.
Keep practicing
More Microbial diagnostics questions
- A throat swab from a patient with suspected streptococcal pharyngitis undergoes rapid antigen detection testing. What is a key limitation o…
- A clinician suspects Legionella pneumonia. Which diagnostic test is most specific and rapid?
- A CSF sample from a meningitis patient shows many PMNs but no organisms on Gram stain. Which test is most helpful for rapid diagnosis?
- A microbiology lab identifies Gram-negative diplococci in a urethral smear from a symptomatic male. What is the next best confirmatory step?
- A patient presents with fever, rash, and a history of tick exposure. What test is most appropriate for early detection of rickettsial infec…
- A fungal infection is suspected in a patient with chronic cough and cavitary lung lesions. What diagnostic test best identifies fungal cell…