In a woman with suspected endometrial tuberculosis, endometrial tissue or menstrual blood for microbiological and histological examination yields the HIGHEST positivity rate when collected during which phase?
- A Early proliferative phase, days 4 to 7
- B Late secretory phase, just before menstruation ✓
- C Periovulatory phase, days 12 to 14
- D Any random day of the cycle
Correct answer: B. Late secretory phase, just before menstruation
Explanation
Tubercle bacilli are shed into the uterine cavity along with the desquamating endometrium immediately before and during menstruation, so sampling in the late secretory or premenstrual phase maximises yield of acid-fast bacilli on smear, culture, and PCR. Sampling in the proliferative phase misses organisms shed with the previous menses, and random-day collection lowers sensitivity substantially compared with timed premenstrual sampling.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.