The chest x-ray is an important tool in assessing extent of disease in pulmonary tuberculosis. It may also be used to rule out pulmonary involvement when other organ involvement from tuberculosis disease has been diagnosed. Also, the chest x-ray can be used as an adjunctive tool in ruling out active disease in those patients who have a positive PPD, and may need to be managed with preventive treatment only. We have included the chest x-ray from the patient in our case study presentation which may be viewed as an example of the findings of someone with active pulmonary tuberculosis. A posterior-anterior view of the chest is recommended by the Core Curriculum on Tuberculosis as the standard view for assessing the chest for tuberculosis disease.
Abnormalities often occur in the apical and posterior segments of the upper lobe of the lung.
Sputum Samples Persons suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis should have at least three sputum specimens examined by smear and culture. The proper collection of sputum is important for the success and reliability of the smear and culture. Patients should be instructed that saliva and nasal discharge are not sputum. Material that is brought up from the lungs during a productive cough is desired. The sputum sample should be collected in a specimen container and clearly labeled with patient-identifying information and the date of collection.