Diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB): Step 3 of 4

Confirm diagnosis and treatment

In some cases, the nurse may make an appointment for you to see the doctor who will confirm whether you have a tuberculosis (TB) infection or active TB disease.  If you have a TB infection or active TB disease, the clinic doctor will confirm the diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for you.

TB treatment

TB treatment usually involves a six month or longer course of anti-tuberculosis medication. Occasionally, anti-tuberculosis drugs are also used to treat other types of infection. There are two main types of treatment for tuberculosis:

• chemoprophylaxis, to prevent active TB disease developing where there is evidence to suggest a TB infection (due to exposure to TB bacteria) but no evidence of disease (such as latent TB infection)
• chemotherapy, to treat tuberculosis disease.

Standard anti-tuberculosis medication is available free of charge for all patients through the Queensland Tuberculosis Control Program (QTCP). Before receiving anti-tuberculosis medication (chemoprophylaxis or chemotherapy) in Queensland, each patient is asked to sign a consent form  to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities during the course of their treatment.

Last Updated: 28 May 2010
Last Reviewed: 30 April 2010