Which diagnostic methods are commonly used for Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis relies on a combination of methods to ensure accurate identification of the disease, as TB can present in various forms and locations in the body. The correct answer includes three crucial diagnostic methods: chest x-ray, acid-fast stain, and sputum culture.

A chest x-ray is commonly used to visualize abnormalities in the lungs that may indicate TB, such as cavitary lesions or consolidations. It helps in assessing the extent of the disease and is often part of the initial evaluation.

The acid-fast stain is used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis in laboratory samples. This staining technique targets the waxy cell wall of the bacteria, allowing for visualization under a microscope. It's particularly useful for examining sputum samples, where the presence of acid-fast bacilli suggests an active infection.

Sputum culture is the gold standard for confirming TB. Culturing the bacteria from sputum allows for definitive diagnosis. This method not only confirms the presence of M. tuberculosis but also enables sensitivity testing to determine antibiotic resistance, which is crucial for treatment planning.

Other options, like exclusively using a chest x-ray or relying solely on skin tests, are inadequate for a comprehensive diagnosis of TB. Relying only on the tuberculin skin test may miss