In addition to the tuberculin skin test, what other diagnostic test can be used for tuberculosis?

The use of Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) as a diagnostic test for tuberculosis complements the tuberculin skin test (TST). IGRAs are blood tests that measure the immune response to specific TB antigens, allowing for the detection of latent tuberculosis infection. Unlike the TST, which can be affected by prior vaccination or environmental exposure to non-tuberculous mycobacteria, IGRAs provide a more specific assessment for latent TB infection.

These assays are particularly useful in individuals who may not respond to the skin test due to immunosuppression or who have had the BCG vaccine, which can cause false-positive results with the TST. Therefore, the presence of a positive result from an IGRA, in conjunction with clinical findings and risk factors, aids in establishing a diagnosis of latent TB infection or active tuberculosis disease.

Other options listed lack specificity and direct applicability in diagnosing tuberculosis. For instance, while a blood culture may be utilized in some cases to identify active infection, it is not as standard as IGRAs in diagnosing latent TB. A CBC is primarily used for assessing overall health and detecting various conditions but does not provide specific information about tuberculosis. A chest CT scan can visualize lung lesions associated with