question about QFT blood test

[Sahrish123]

Will I always test positive for TB in QFT blood test?

[hottchoc]

Yes that is correct

[Sahrish123 in reply to hottchoc]

Thank you. I was so nervous.

So, how will you be sure that the TB bacteria is gone?

[hottchoc in reply to Sahrish123]

There is no test to give you confirmation of a definite proof you have no more live bacteria, however, the reason you stay on drugs so long is to make sure that there is none left, also you have to go on symptoms. But as you will now be aware of what TB is and feels like, then you can be more alert to any changes. TB is too clever for even the doctors!

[Deniseelk]

That’s correct! Did you have latent TB or active TB? I was treated for latent TB with a 3 month course of antibiotics. I was told by my TB specialist that if the antibiotics are taken correctly then the bacteria is typically “ killed off” in two weeks. As hottchoc says they request you take a much long course of antibiotics to be completely sure the bacteria has been eradicated. You will have a follow up appointment when your antibiotics are finished ( in light of Covid-19 this may be by telephone?) and they will assess that you took the antibiotics correctly and check you have no possible symptoms... cough / loosing weight etc. If you are still unsettled please speak to your TB team for comfort.

[Sahrish123 in reply to Deniseelk]

I have active TB. I started my 6 month treatment medicine from January of this year. When I did a chest x-ray in March, it came out clear. I did a QFT test few days ago and it came out positive and I was nervous. When I talked with my doctor about it, he asked if I had gained any weight (which I have) and if I was having any problems (which I don't have). He advised to do some blood tests and a CT scan in the beginning of July.

I'm having no symptoms of TB now, thanks to Lord.

I never really knew why the TB medication duration is so long. Thanks to hottchoc for informing and now it makes sense.