Infections: TB diagnosis: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Infections: TB diagnosis

Sample item

In a young child with suspected pulmonary TB who cannot expectorate, which sample is appropriate for CBNAAT?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Gastric lavage or induced sputum

Children swallow sputum, so early morning gastric lavage or induced sputum, nasopharyngeal aspirate or stool can be sent for CBNAAT or culture. Yield in children is low because the disease is paucibacillary. The tuberculin test supports the diagnosis but is not confirmatory.

Option by option

  • A. Blood culture only

    Blood culture is not useful for pulmonary TB.

  • B. Urine

    Urine is not a standard sample for pulmonary TB in children.

  • C. Skin biopsy

    Skin biopsy is not relevant.

  • D. Gastric lavage or induced sputum (correct)

    Correct. Gastric lavage or induced sputum is used.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Gastric lavage or induced sputum. Children swallow sputum, so early morning gastric lavage or induced sputum, nasopharyngeal aspirate or stool can be sent for CBNAAT or culture.

Why is "Blood culture only" not the answer?

Blood culture is not useful for pulmonary TB.

Why is "Urine" not the answer?

Urine is not a standard sample for pulmonary TB in children.

Why is "Skin biopsy" not the answer?

Skin biopsy is not relevant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: TB diagnosis in Pediatrics. Yield in children is low because the disease is paucibacillary. The tuberculin test supports the diagnosis but is not confirmatory.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infections: TB diagnosis?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.