A 7 year old child is being investigating for TB. His parents don’t agree for taking a BAL. what other sample will show growth of the organism?

The key is C. Gastric washing. [Sputum can not be obtained in extreems of age as in too young or

elderly. When initial dry cough of TB sputum may not be coughed up by patients as well. So in such

cases bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) can demonstrate the bacteria. If BAL is refused alternate other

procedure as gastric washing cann be done. When patient coughs the saliva is contaminated with

coughed up droplets and swallowed by the patient. So gastric lavage can brig these organisms with

samples of gastric washing].