How much is the sputum test for tuberculosis? The sputum test for tuberculosis includes sputum smear test and sputum culture test. The cost of sputum smear is 23 RMB and the cost of sputum culture is 108 RMB. The sputum smear is relatively simple and the result is quicker, as the result can be obtained on the same day of the test. However, it lacks a certain degree of sensitivity because a positive sputum smear only indicates the presence of bacilli in the sputum. However, since non-tuberculous mycobacteria are relatively rare in the clinic, a positive sputum smear result is also significant in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Sputum culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, but the culture period is long, usually 2-6 weeks. If the patient waits for the result of sputum culture test before treatment, the best time for treatment may be lost. Therefore, if the patient’s sputum smear is positive, combined with the patient’s history of close contact with tuberculosis, symptoms and signs of tuberculosis, and imaging tests, the patient should be diagnosed as early as possible. For highly suspected patients, we should give anti-tuberculosis treatment as soon as possible and wait for the results of sputum culture.