A member asked:

Is there anyway to test latent tb infection for drug resistance before starting treatment?...and i have asthma and allergies and have a cough sometimes...should i do anymore test before starting treatment?...complete negative chest xray...

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Don't think so: Latent tuberculosis means there are no signs nor symptoms of TB, but only a positive screening test. Doctors wouldn't be able to locate and collect the bacteria to grow in the lab to test for drug resistance. If the screening test was a skin test and the doctor feels a blood test is needed, the doctor might order a TB blood test. Patients who had a BCG shot get more accurate screening from blood.

Answered 2/23/2018

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