The validity of the diagnostic methods in predicting pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

In our study, we aimed to determine the validity of diagnostic methods for tuberculosis. Eighty-one people suspected to have tuberculosis were included in the study. The validity of the applied methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis tuberculin skin test (TST), sputum smear, and used in diagnostic chest X-ray findings (CXR), clinical features and history were evaluated as culture was considered the reference test. Included in the study of 81 people (54 males 27 females) mean age was determined as 45.04 +/- 18.69. The most sensitive diagnostic methods were detected as clinical and sputum smears (89 and 86%). The sensitivity of PPD and Radiology have been identified as 0.74 and 0.73 respectively. Diagnostic method with the highest specificity value was found to be radiology. The positive predictive values of PPD, radiology, clinical and sputum smear were identified as 98, 94, 96 and 92%, respectively. PPD had the lowest negative predictive value with 26%. In our study, the validity of the diagnostic methods for the tuberculosis are compatible with the literature. These methods in the diagnosis of tuberculosis are still valid. We think our study may add to the current data in the literature about the topic.