What are the tests that determine the cause of chronic fever?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 19 years old, weigh 121 pounds, and am 5.3 feet tall. I have been experiencing low-grade fever for six months. My IGRA test came back positive, but my sputum test was negative, and my CT scan showed normal results. Currently, I am experiencing a fever multiple times daily, around 101°F, along with sweating and chills, and I am taking Paracetamol. What tests should I undergo further?
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) test is unable to differentiate between latent and active tuberculosis (TB) infection, essentially distinguishing between infection and disease. Just because you are infected with TB does not mean you have the disease, which is why your sputum test and CT (computed tomography) findings were negative. Close to 70 to 80 percent of people in a developing country are infected with TB, but not all develop the disease. Based on your history, I would recommend undergoing testing for malaria, including a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and peripheral smear, especially if you are experiencing intermittent fever with chills.
If you also have symptoms such as burning during urination or pain before, during, or after urination, it could indicate a urinary tract infection, which is common in females. I recommend getting a urine routine test to confirm. When fever persists for more than 21 days and the cause cannot be identified despite thorough investigations, it is termed a fever of unknown origin. At this stage, I suggest undergoing the following tests to provide some insight:
- Complete blood count (CBC) with detailed differential counts and morphology.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
- Urine routine examination.
- Peripheral smear for malaria parasites.
To order additional tests, I would need a more detailed history of your symptoms, which is not feasible at this time.
I hope this information is helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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