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Millions of people in the United States have inactive tuberculosis (TB), and many become sick with active tuberculosis. At North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, Texas, urgent care specialist Frank Lee, MD, and the experienced team offer TB testing. Schedule TB testing by phone or online today, or simply walk into the nearest North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care location.
TB Testing Q & A
What is TB testing?
TB testing (tuberculosis testing) is a diagnostic skin or blood test that screens for tuberculosis, a disease caused by a specific bacteria. TB affects the lungs and sometimes the lymph nodes, kidneys, spine, or brain. Active TB can be fatal when left untreated. It spreads when people infected with TB put germs in the air (they stay in the air for several hours).
Types of TB
Inactive TB
If you have inactive TB, you likely won’t feel sick or have symptoms. You won’t be able to spread TB to other people. However, without treatment, inactive TB can turn into active TB.
Active TB
If the immune system doesn’t stop TB germs from multiplying, active TB disease (which is contagious) can develop. Active TB disease can lead to chest pain, a cough lasting three weeks or longer, chills, fever, fatigue, weight loss, weakness, night sweats, or coughing up phlegm or blood.
Who needs TB testing?
TB testing is encouraged if your employer requires it or you have TB risk factors, such as:
- Being born in or traveling to countries where TB is common (Africa, Asia, Latin America, etc.)
- Exposure to prisons, jails, homeless shelters, nursing homes, or assisted living communities
- Weakened immune system due to cancer, diabetes, HIV, or medications
- Working in a hospital or other places where TB is more likely to be spread
- Exposure to someone with active TB disease
- Being a baby, young child, or elderly adult
- Illicit drug use
- Previous TB infection
Ask North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care if you’re unsure if you’re at risk.
How often should I schedule TB testing?
Your risk factors determine how often to complete TB testing. Individuals with high risks may need yearly testing. If your risk is low, you might only need a test every few years. If your employer requires TB testing, ask them how often you should be tested.
What should I expect during TB testing?
There are several types of TB tests, including blood tests and skin tests (your provider injects a substance under your skin). You must return to our office within 2-3 days after a skin test to screen for a reaction (red, firm bump).
Blood tests are often recommended if you’ve previously received a TB vaccine. If a TB test is positive, you may need a phlegm test or chest X-rays.
Inactive or active TB can be treated with medications. TB vaccinations are also available for people at high risk of contracting TB.
Schedule TB testing at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care by calling our office or using the online booking feature today. Walk-ins are also welcome.