Z11.1: Special screening examination for respiratory tuberculosis

The code Z11.1 corresponds to a special screening examination for respiratory tuberculosis, a process done to detect the presence of this specific infectious disease in the early stages, even before symptoms start appearing. Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs and is caused by a bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads via airborne droplets when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The disease may remain dormant for years without causing symptoms, a state known as latent TB. However, it may eventually progress into active TB, leading to symptoms such as chronic cough, fever, night sweats, and significant weight loss. Early detection through screening, especially in high-risk groups like those with weakened immune systems, helps improve treatment outcome and is crucial in the global effort to stem the spread of tuberculosis.