TB PCR in fertility testing

TB PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing looks for tuberculosis genetic material in a sample, such as endometrial tissue or fluid, and is one of the tools used when female genital tuberculosis is suspected as a cause of infertility. It can give a result faster than culture. However, TB PCR on endometrial samples has real, well-documented limitations: it can be falsely positive (for example, from cross-contamination or detection of non-viable bacterial DNA) and falsely negative (because TB in the genital tract is often patchy, so the biopsy may simply miss an area with disease). For this reason, ICMR and NTEP-aligned practice is that a PCR result should be interpreted alongside histopathology, culture where possible, imaging, and the overall clinical picture — not used alone to start anti-tubercular treatment, especially when the only concern is otherwise-unexplained infertility.

Also known as: TB DNA test, GeneXpert for infertility

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.