Tuberculosis Testing
Tuberculosis Testing
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that can thrive in various parts of the body. It primarily spreads through the air from person to person, with the lungs being the most commonly affected area. However, TB can also impact other organs like the spine, kidneys, or brain.
Understanding Tuberculosis Infection Types
There are two types of tuberculosis infection:
- Latent TB Infection: In this case, the bacteria exist in a person’s body, but their immune system successfully prevents the bacteria from spreading. This leaves the individual without symptoms and feeling well. Importantly, latent TB cannot be transmitted to others. However, if left untreated, latent TB infection can progress to TB disease.
- Tuberculosis Disease: TB disease is contagious and typically manifests with symptoms such as night sweats, prolonged coughing, and weight loss.
Common Tuberculosis Symptoms
If you suspect a tuberculosis infection, consider these common symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough lasting over three weeks
- Night sweats and chills
- Fever
- Coughing up mucus or blood
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Tuberculosis Testing Options
We offer two types of tuberculosis tests to detect and manage TB infections:
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST):
- Our medical providers administer the tuberculin skin test by injecting tuberculin under the skin of your lower arm using a small needle.
- A small bump should appear at the injection site.
- You will need to return a couple of days later to evaluate if there is a reaction.
- A positive test result may lead to a prescribed medication to prevent inactive bacteria from becoming active.
- TB skin tests are safe for all ages, including pregnant women and individuals living with HIV.
Please note: Inform our medical providers if you’ve previously had this skin test and experienced a severe reaction.
Tuberculosis Blood Test:
- This test is straightforward; a medical professional collects blood samples from you.
- The samples are then sent to a lab for testing.
- A positive result may require further tests to determine if the diagnosis is latent or active TB.
- If it’s active TB, treatment may involve a long-term antibiotic prescription (up to 9 months).
