The feasibility of ct scanning in children with a positive recombinant tuberculosis allergen test

Abstract

The problem of substantiating the use of diagnostic methods using ionizing radiation in children remains topical, and the importance of the problem grows every year. Special attention should be paid to this issue in children’s TB. Thirty-three children suspected of TB were monitored for tubercular recombinant allergen (ATP). The study showed that the diagnosis made by the clinicians and the computed tomography (CT) data in children with modified ATP samples have no reliable influence (p=0.89; Fisher criterion=0.11). Diagnosis of TB was more dependent on clinical, laboratory, radiological, and historical data combined, and often CT had no effect on patient management. The rationale for applying CT in children with modified ATP responses should be corrected and applied on strict grounds to maintain radiation safety.