Question

A 72-year-old woman living in a remote First Nations community in Northern Canada presents with chronic cough, weight loss and night sweats. She has a history of previous TB contact. Which diagnostic test is most important to obtain first?

Accepted Answer

Sputum smear and culture for acid-fast bacilli

Answer

Mantoux tuberculin skin test

Answer

Interferon-gamma release assay

Answer

Chest CT scan only

Answer

Bronchoscopy in a tertiary centre

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman living in a remote First Nations community in Northern Canada presents with chronic cough, weight loss and night sweats. She has a history of previous TB contact. Which diagnostic test is most important to obtain first?