Using PCR to Shorten Isolation for Patients with Suspected TB

In a retrospective analysis, 81% of patients with culture-confirmed tuberculosis and at least three sputum samples had positive polymerase chain reaction results; 74% had positive smears.

Respiratory isolation is the cornerstone of preventing tuberculosis (TB) transmission in the hospital. For many years, acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear microscopy has been used as a proxy measure for contagiousness. However, respiratory isolation while waiting for smear results is stressful to patients and costly, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is more sensitive than microscopy for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples.

In a retrospective study, researchers examined the feasibility and safety of relying on the first available negative PCR result for ruling out contagious TB. They analyzed data on samples from Denmark that were submitted to a national reference laboratory between 2002 and 2011.

Among 482 culture-positive pa…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Using PCR to Shorten Isolation for Patients with Suspected TB

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Reviewing Author