Tuberculosis Test Price in Bangladesh: 2025 Updated
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that requires early detection for effective treatment. In Bangladesh, where TB is a prevalent health issue, various tests are available to diagnose this condition. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to TB, understanding the Tuberculosis Test price in Bangladesh is essential for making informed healthcare decisions. This article provides a detailed overview of TB tests, their purposes, preparation, and costs across government and private hospitals in 2025, based on data from major healthcare facilities and supplemented by insights from a credible source.
What is a Tuberculosis Test?
A Tuberculosis Test is a medical procedure designed to detect infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria causing TB. These tests are critical for diagnosing both latent TB infection (where the bacteria are present but not causing symptoms) and active TB disease (where symptoms are present). The tests measure different indicators, such as immune response, bacterial presence, or genetic material, to confirm TB.
Types of TB Tests
- Mantoux Test (Tuberculin Skin Test, TST): A small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin of the forearm, and the reaction (induration) is measured after 48-72 hours. It indicates exposure to TB or the BCG vaccine.
- Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): Blood tests like QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus measure the immune system’s response to TB antigens, offering higher specificity, especially in BCG-vaccinated individuals.
- Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Staining: Microscopic examination of samples (e.g., sputum, pleural fluid) to detect TB bacteria. It’s used for diagnosing active TB.
- GeneXpert MTB Sistah Test: A rapid molecular test that detects TB DNA and rifampicin resistance in samples like sputum, providing results in about two hours.
- TB Antibody Tests: Tests for Anti-TB IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies in blood to assess immune response to TB, though less commonly used for definitive diagnosis.
Clinical Significance
These tests help differentiate between latent and active TB, guide treatment decisions, and identify drug-resistant strains. For example, a positive Mantoux Test or IGRA suggests TB infection, while AFB staining or GeneXpert confirms active disease.
Medical Conditions Requiring TB Testing
TB tests are used for:
- Diagnosing active TB in symptomatic individuals.
- Screening for latent TB in high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers or those with compromised immune systems.
- Monitoring treatment efficacy in confirmed TB cases.
- Pre-employment or immigration health checks in high-prevalence areas.
Alternative Names
TB tests may be referred to as:
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
- TB Blood Test (IGRA)
- AFB Smear
- TB PCR (GeneXpert)
- Mycobacterial Culture
When is a Tuberculosis Test Recommended?
TB testing is advised in specific situations to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms and Conditions
- Symptoms: Persistent cough (over two weeks), fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, or chest pain.
- Exposure: Close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB.
- High-Risk Groups: Individuals with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or immunosuppressive conditions, or those living in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.
- Screening Needs: Routine testing for healthcare workers, immigrants from high-TB-prevalence areas, or individuals starting immunosuppressive therapy.
Diagnostic Use
Doctors use TB test results to:
- Confirm TB infection or active disease.
- Determine if further tests, like chest X-rays or cultures, are needed.
- Identify drug-resistant TB strains (via GeneXpert).
- Plan treatment, such as antibiotics for active TB or preventive therapy for latent TB.
Screening vs. Diagnosis
- Screening: Mantoux Test and IGRAs are used to screen for latent TB in asymptomatic individuals.
- Diagnosis: AFB staining, GeneXpert, and cultures are used to diagnose active TB in symptomatic patients.
- Monitoring: Follow-up tests may assess treatment progress.
Tuberculosis Test Preparation
Preparation for TB tests varies by test type:
- Mantoux Test:
- No fasting or special preparation is required.
- Inform your doctor about prior TB tests, BCG vaccination, or immunosuppressive medications, as these may affect results.
- The test involves a quick injection, with results read after 48-72 hours.
- IGRA (Blood Tests):
- No fasting is needed.
- Disclose medications like corticosteroids or biologics, which may suppress immune responses.
- A blood sample is drawn, taking a few minutes.
- AFB Staining and GeneXpert:
- Sputum samples are typically collected in the morning before eating or drinking.
- Other samples (e.g., CSF, pleural fluid) are collected via medical procedures like lumbar puncture or thoracentesis.
- Sample collection is quick, but laboratory processing may take Ascitic Fluid Cytology 300 BDT (225 BDT discounted) 600 BDT
- Cultures:
- No specific preparation is needed beyond sample collection.
- Samples are collected as instructed by healthcare providers.
- Processing may take several weeks for results.
The duration of the tests varies:
- Mantoux Test: 48-72 hours for result reading.
- IGRA: 1-2 days for results.
- AFB Staining: Same day to 2 days.
- GeneXpert: About 2 hours.
- Cultures: 2-8 weeks.
Tuberculosis Test Price List in Government Hospitals in Bangladesh
Government hospitals in Bangladesh offer TB tests at subsidized rates, making them more affordable for the general public. Below is a table of TB test prices based on data from major government hospitals in 2025:
| Hospital Name | Location | Tuberculosis Test Price (BDT) | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibn Sina Hospital | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 350 (263 discounted) | Contact Ibn Sina |
| AFB Tests: 300-900 (225-675 discounted) | |||
| TB Antibody Tests: 1,000 (750 discounted) | |||
| Comprehensive TB Panel: 3,000 (2,250 discounted) | |||
| ICT for T.B: 900 (675 discounted) | |||
| Neuroscience Hospital | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 100 | Contact Neuroscience |
| Tuberculin Test: 100 | |||
| Anti-TB IgA, IgG, IgM: 400 each | |||
| Mycobacteria: 300 | |||
| Sputum for AFB: 0 (possibly free) | |||
| QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus: 5,000 | |||
| Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) | Dhaka | No specific TB tests listed | Contact BSMMU |
| Dhaka Medical College Hospital | Dhaka | No specific TB tests listed | Contact DMCH |
| Chittagong Medical College Hospital | Chittagong | No specific TB tests listed | Contact CMCH |
| Rajshahi Medical College Hospital | Rajshahi | No specific TB tests listed | Contact RMCH |
| Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College | Sylhet | No specific TB tests listed | Contact SMCH |
Note: Prices are based on data from 2025 and may vary. Some tests, like AFB staining at Neuroscience Hospital, are listed as 0 BDT, which may indicate they are free or not priced separately. Contact hospitals for confirmation.
Tuberculosis Test Price List in Private Hospitals in Bangladesh
Private hospitals and diagnostic centers in Bangladesh often charge higher rates for TB tests but may offer faster results and advanced facilities. Below is a table of TB test prices from Popular Hospital and other private facilities:
| Hospital/Diagnostic Center | Location | Tuberculosis Test Price (BDT) | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popular Hospital | Dhaka | AFB Tests: 600 | Contact Popular |
| Anti-TB IgA, IgG, IgM: 1,400 each | |||
| GeneXpert (MTB): 4,000-6,000 | |||
| QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus: 8,000 | |||
| Tuberculin Test: 700 | |||
| Square Hospital | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 500-1,000 (estimated) | Contact Square |
| AFB Tests: 500-1,000 (estimated) | |||
| GeneXpert: 5,000-7,000 (estimated) | |||
| United Hospital | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 500-1,000 (estimated) | Contact United |
| AFB Tests: 500-1,000 (estimated) | |||
| GeneXpert: 5,000-7,000 (estimated) | |||
| Apollo Hospital Dhaka | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 600-1,200 (estimated) | Contact Apollo |
| AFB Tests: 600-1,200 (estimated) | |||
| GeneXpert: 5,500-7,500 (estimated) | |||
| Labaid Specialized Hospital | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 500-1,000 (estimated) | Contact Labaid |
| AFB Tests: 500-1,000 (estimated) | |||
| GeneXpert: 5,000-7,000 (estimated) | |||
| Evercare Hospital Dhaka | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 600-1,200 (estimated) | Contact Evercare |
| AFB Tests: 600-1,200 (estimated) | |||
| GeneXpert: 5,500-7,500 (estimated) | |||
| BRB Hospital | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 500-1,000 (estimated) | Contact BRB |
| AFB Tests: 500-1,000 (estimated) | |||
| GeneXpert: 5,000-7,000 (estimated) | |||
| Delta Hospital | Dhaka | Mantoux Test: 500-1,000 (estimated) | Contact Delta |
| AFB Tests: 500-1,000 (estimated) | |||
| GeneXpert: 5,000-7,000 (estimated) |
Note: Estimated prices for private hospitals are based on typical market rates in Bangladesh for 2025, as specific data was only available for Popular Hospital. Verify prices directly with hospitals, as they may vary.
Understanding Tuberculosis Test Results
Interpreting TB test results requires understanding their normal ranges and implications:
- Mantoux Test:
- Normal Range: Induration (swelling) less than 5 mm is considered negative.
- Abnormal Results: Induration ≥10 mm (or ≥5 mm in high-risk individuals) suggests TB infection, but further tests are needed to confirm active disease.
- Factors Affecting Results: BCG vaccination, exposure to non-tuberculous mycobacteria, or immunosuppression may cause false positives or negatives.
- IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus):
- Normal Range: Negative results indicate no TB infection.
- Abnormal Results: Positive results suggest TB infection, but additional tests are needed to confirm active disease.
- Factors Affecting Results: Immunosuppressive conditions or medications may lead to false negatives.
- AFB Staining:
- Normal Range: No acid-fast bacilli detected.
- Abnormal Results: Presence of acid-fast bacilli indicates possible TB, but culture confirmation is recommended.
- Factors Affecting Results: Poor sample quality or low bacterial load may cause false negatives.
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF:
- Normal Range: No TB DNA detected.
- Abnormal Results: Detection of TB DNA confirms active TB; rifampicin resistance indicates multidrug-resistant TB.
- Factors Affecting Results: Sample quality and contamination can affect accuracy.
- TB Antibody Tests:
- Normal Range: Low or undetectable antibody levels.
- Abnormal Results: Elevated Anti-TB IgA, IgG, or IgM levels suggest TB exposure, but these tests are not definitive for active disease.
- Factors Affecting Results: Cross-reactivity with other infections may cause false positives.
When to Consult a Doctor: If test results are positive or inconclusive, consult a doctor immediately for further evaluation, such as chest X-rays or cultures, to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are Tuberculosis Tests?
The Mantoux Test and IGRAs are highly sensitive for detecting TB infection, with IGRAs being more specific in BCG-vaccinated individuals. AFB staining and GeneXpert are highly specific for active TB but may miss low bacterial loads. Cultures are the gold standard but take weeks.
How long does it take to get Tuberculosis Test results?
Mantoux Test: 48-72 hours for result reading.
IGRA: 1-2 days.
AFB Staining: Same day to 2 days.
GeneXpert: About 2 hours.
Cultures: 2-8 weeks.
Are Tuberculosis Tests covered by insurance in Bangladesh?
Coverage depends on the insurance policy. Some plans cover TB tests if prescribed, but many patients in Bangladesh pay out-of-pocket, especially in government hospitals where costs are low.
How often should I get tested for Tuberculosis?
Testing is recommended if you have symptoms, known exposure, or are in a high-risk group. Routine screening is not typically needed unless you’re at risk or required for employment/immigration.
What is the difference between a Tuberculosis Test and a COVID-19 Test?
TB tests detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while COVID-19 tests detect SARS-CoV-2. TB tests involve skin, blood, or sputum analysis, whereas COVID-19 tests typically use nasal swabs for PCR or antigen testing.
Can I get a Tuberculosis Test at home?
Some diagnostic centers offer home collection for sputum or blood samples, but procedures like lumbar puncture for CSF require hospital visits. Consult your doctor for options.
Are there any side effects of Tuberculosis Tests?
Mantoux Test: May cause mild redness or swelling at the injection site.
IGRA: Minimal risk from blood draw (e.g., bruising).
AFB/GeneXpert: No significant side effects, though sample collection may cause discomfort.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis Tests are vital for early detection and management of TB, a major health concern in Bangladesh. With prices ranging from 100 BDT to 8,000 BDT, testing is accessible across government and private facilities, with government hospitals offering more affordable options. Comparing Tuberculosis Test prices in Bangladesh can help you find cost-effective solutions. Always consult a healthcare provider to choose the right test and interpret results accurately. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and reduce transmission, making timely testing critical.
