TBC | Qualitative Determination of Tuberculosis

Antibody Test against Koch's Bacteria – This is a serological blood test designed to determine if a person's body has encountered the causative agent of tuberculosis – Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The test seeks specific antibodies that the immune system produces in response to this bacterium. This test can be useful to complement other diagnostic methods, especially when direct identification of the bacterium is not possible.

The test is particularly sensitive in the presence of an active form of tuberculosis, when specific antibodies are found in the blood. Although this test is not the primary diagnostic method, it can be useful to confirm infection or assess the immune response, especially in cases where sputum collection or microbiological tests cannot be performed.

Principle of the Test: Antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis are detected using an immunochemical method (e.g., ELISA) from a venous blood sample. Results are interpreted considering the patient's clinical symptoms and other tests.

Recommendations:

• It is recommended to perform the test prophylactically once a year for individuals in risk groups.
• The test is useful for tuberculosis diagnosis and monitoring treatment effectiveness.
• Assigned to individuals who have been in contact with an infected person, as well as those working in healthcare, social, or care institutions.
• It can be applied to patients for whom standard tuberculosis tests cannot be performed, or their results are unclear.
• No specific preparation is required for the test.