Our TB testing is done in only 1 visit to our store and the best customer service hospitality has to offer. Fast results will get your employer the peace of mind and compliance they need and will get you on the path to start your new job that much faster.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs but can affect any part of the body. It is a potentially serious condition, but it can be cured with proper treatment.
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, it involves injecting a small amount of a substance called tuberculin into the skin on the forearm. After 48 to 72 hours, a healthcare provider checks the area to see if a hard, raised bump has developed. If there is a bump, its size is measured. A larger bump is more likely to indicate a TB infection. This test can sometimes give false-positive results, especially in people who have been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine (a vaccine for TB that’s often given in countries where TB is common).
Blood Tests: These are also known as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). Two types are commercially available: the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) and the T-SPOT®.TB test. These tests measure the body’s immune response to TB bacteria. Blood tests are often used as a follow-up test when a skin test result is positive, or as an initial test for people who are likely to have a false-positive skin test result (for example, due to BCG vaccination).
It’s important to note that these tests only indicate whether the body has been infected with the bacteria that causes TB. They can’t determine whether the infection is active (causing symptoms) or latent (not causing symptoms). Additional tests, such as a chest X-ray, may be necessary to diagnose active TB disease.
TB is super contagious and that is why it is required for employment in some industries. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the spread of TB and improve health outcomes. If you suspect you may have been exposed to TB or have symptoms of the disease, you should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
If an initial TB test (TST or IGRA) is positive, additional tests are usually necessary to confirm whether the infection is active or latent. These can include a chest X-ray and/or a sputum test, both of which are performed in a lab:
A chest X-ray can show whether there are changes in your lungs indicative of active TB disease.
For a sputum test, you’ll be asked to cough up some phlegm from deep inside your lungs. The sample is then examined in a lab for the presence of TB bacteria.
For NRS 449 and CCDBGA compliance, a positive TB test would require a chest x-ray to confirm if it is active or not.
Testing for TB plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis.
You’ve been hired for a new job and now you need to get a TB Test. But why do you need a TB Test for employment? We get that it is inconvenient, but Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterium that can affect a large population in a small amount of time. If it is not treated swiftly, it can escalate and it can be dangerous especially for people with pre-existing conditions with weakened immune systems. This is why a TB Test is required for people around vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.