What tests can be used to monitor the effectiveness of TB treatment involving INH?

The effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) treatment involving isoniazid (INH) can be monitored effectively through sputum cultures and chest X-rays. Sputum cultures allow for the assessment of the bacteriological response to treatment; the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples indicates ongoing infection, while a negative culture after treatment indicates effectiveness. Chest X-rays are also crucial as they can show changes in lung disease over time, revealing improvement or resolution of the lesions caused by TB.

In contrast, blood pressure measurements, serum electrolyte tests, and bone density scans do not directly assess the effectiveness of TB treatment. Blood pressure measurements are useful for evaluating cardiovascular health but are unrelated to TB treatment efficacy. Serum electrolyte tests are important for overall metabolic monitoring but are not specific indicators of TB responses. Bone density scans are generally utilized to assess conditions related to bone health rather than infectious diseases like TB. Therefore, sputum cultures and chest X-rays are the most relevant tests for monitoring TB treatment involving INH.