Data hidden in tuberculosis screening tests sheds light on patients’ overall mortality

Summary: Did you know a simple test for tuberculosis (TB) can also tell doctors how strong your overall immune system is? Scientists at UCLA Health found a hidden clue in regular TB tests. When doctors do this test, they use a "control" check to make sure the test is working right. This check actually shows how well your immune system's T-cells fight off threats.

The researchers looked at the records of over 16,000 people. They found that people who had a weak immune response on this test had a 10% higher chance of dying over the next five years. This is a big deal! It means doctors might soon use this simple, everyday test to predict long-term health, help organ transplant patients, and even guide cancer treatments.

For more details, see rssapp-uclahealth-org-news at uclahealth.org/news/release/data-hidden-tuberculosis-screening-tests-sheds-light (opens in new tab)