Question

A 45-year-old man presents with a 3-week history of a persistent cough, night sweats, and weight loss. A chest X-ray shows a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

Three sputum samples for acid-fast bacilli (AFB)

Answer

Mantoux test

Answer

Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)

Answer

CT chest with contrast

Answer

Bronchoscopy and lavage

Practice question

A 45-year-old man presents with a 3-week history of a persistent cough, night sweats, and weight loss. A chest X-ray shows a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?