Breakthrough test could speed up tuberculosis diagnosis, spare patients from invasive biopsies

This study tested a new method to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) that affects the lining of the lungs, called tuberculous pleuritis. Researchers collected fluid from the lungs of 329 hospitalized patients to see if measuring tiny pieces of TB DNA in the fluid is more accurate and faster than current tests. The goal is to provide a quicker, less invasive way to confirm TB, which could help patients start the right treatment sooner and avoid unnecessary surgical biopsies.