Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease, but getting tested and treated can protect you, your loved ones, and your community. Knowing where to get a TB test is the first step in taking control of your health and preventing the spread of this infection.
You might need a TB test even if you feel perfectly healthy. TB germs can live silently in your body for years without causing symptoms – this is known as inactive TB infection. People with inactive TB don’t feel sick and cannot spread the bacteria. However, for those at higher risk, testing is crucial.
Who Should Consider Getting a TB Test?
If you fall into a higher-risk category for TB exposure or developing TB disease, getting tested is highly recommended.
You have a higher risk of TB exposure if you:
- Have spent time with someone known to have active TB disease.
- Were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB is common. This includes many countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia.
- Live or work in high-risk settings such as homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes.
- Are a healthcare worker who serves high-risk populations.
Even with inactive TB, certain conditions can increase the likelihood of it developing into active TB disease. Anyone can get TB, but some individuals with inactive TB face a greater risk of developing active TB.
You have a higher risk of developing TB disease once infected if you:
- Have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV, diabetes, cancer, or certain medical treatments (like organ transplant medications or chemotherapy).
- Became recently infected with TB germs (within the last two years).
- Are a young child, especially under the age of 5.
- Inject illicit drugs.
- Suffer from other illnesses that weaken the immune system, such as kidney disease requiring dialysis or specific types of arthritis.
- Are elderly.
- Have a history of incomplete TB treatment in the past.
Generally, TB tests are not necessary for individuals with a low risk of TB infection. If you are unsure about your risk level, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if TB testing is right for you.
Types of TB Tests: Blood and Skin Tests
There are primarily two types of tests available to detect TB infection: the TB blood test and the TB skin test. Consulting with your healthcare provider will help determine which type of TB test is most appropriate for your situation.
TB Blood Tests (IGRAs)
TB blood tests, also known as Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs), are conducted using a blood sample to check for TB infection. These tests measure your immune system’s response when your blood is mixed with TB proteins. Blood tests like IGRAs are advantageous as they usually require only one visit to a healthcare provider.
Important Note for those vaccinated with BCG: Many individuals born outside the United States have received the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine for TB. TB blood tests are the preferred method for these individuals because, unlike the TB skin test, they are not affected by prior BCG vaccination.
TB Skin Tests (TST)
The TB skin test, also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST), involves injecting a small amount of testing material (tuberculin) under the skin of your lower arm. After 48 to 72 hours, you must return to your healthcare provider to have the injection site checked for a reaction. A raised bump or swelling indicates a potential TB infection. It’s crucial to return for this second appointment to get accurate results.
Further Testing After Initial Screening
Regardless of whether you receive a TB blood test or a TB skin test, further tests might be necessary if:
- You have a positive result from either a TB blood test or TB skin test.
- You have a negative result but are experiencing symptoms of active TB disease, such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
These additional tests can include a chest X-ray to look for lung abnormalities and a sputum test, where phlegm you cough up is analyzed for TB bacteria. These tests help determine if you have inactive TB infection or active TB disease.
Where Can You Get a TB Test? Finding Testing Locations
Knowing where to get a TB test is essential. Fortunately, TB testing is readily available in various locations:
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Local Health Departments: Your local or state health department is an excellent resource for TB testing. They often offer low-cost or free TB testing services. Contacting your local health department is a great first step to find accessible testing options in your community.
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Healthcare Provider’s Office: Your primary care physician or family doctor can administer TB tests. During your regular check-up or a specific appointment, you can discuss TB testing and get tested directly at their office.
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Community Health Clinics: Community health clinics and urgent care centers also frequently provide TB testing services. These clinics often serve a wide range of patients and offer accessible healthcare options.
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Workplace or School Health Programs: Some workplaces and schools, particularly those in higher-risk environments like healthcare facilities or educational institutions, may offer on-site TB testing programs for employees or students.
To find the nearest TB test location, you can:
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Contact your state or local TB program: They can provide information about testing sites in your area. You can usually find contact information for your state’s TB program on your state’s health department website.
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Use online search tools: Search online for “TB testing near me” or “health departments [your city/county]” to find local testing centers and health departments.
Understanding Your TB Test Results
Understanding your TB test results is crucial for appropriate follow-up and care.
A positive TB test result indicates that you have been infected with TB germs. It does not necessarily mean you have active TB disease. A positive result means you will require further tests, such as a chest X-ray and sputum test, to determine if you have inactive TB infection or active TB disease.
A negative TB test result usually means that TB infection is unlikely. However, in certain situations, further testing might be recommended even with a negative result, especially if you have symptoms of TB disease or a known recent exposure to TB.
What Happens After a Positive TB Test?
If you test positive for TB infection, it’s important to remember that this is not a diagnosis of active TB disease. It simply means you have TB germs in your body and require further evaluation. Your healthcare provider will conduct additional tests to determine if you have inactive TB infection or active TB disease.
Regardless of whether you have inactive TB or active TB disease, treatment is available. Treatment for inactive TB infection can prevent the development of active TB disease in the future. Active TB disease requires a longer course of medication to cure the disease. Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations and completing the prescribed treatment is essential for your health and preventing the spread of TB.
Keep a record of your positive TB test result, as you may continue to test positive in future tests, even after successful treatment. Having this record can be helpful if you are asked to undergo TB testing again in the future.
Getting a TB test is a responsible step towards protecting your health and community. Knowing where to get a TB test and understanding the testing process empowers you to take proactive measures against TB. If you believe you are at risk or have concerns about TB, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or local health department for testing and guidance.
