Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that spreads from one person to another through the air. According to WHO, each year, millions of people report getting infected with tuberculosis infection. If not detected and treated in a timely manner, it can pose serious risks to your lungs and overall well-being. This blog will discuss everything you need to know about Tuberculosis (TB). Whether you need your Tuberculosis test for traveling, work, or screening, our qualified team at Call My Doctor is here to guide you through every step.
Now, let’s look at what TB is and why it is important to take a test.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. While it mainly affects the lungs, it can also affect other essential body organs, like the kidneys, spinal cord, and the brain. Even though Tuberculosis can be prevented and treated, it remains one of the leading infectious diseases in the world. Early detection of Tuberculosis can be done by conducting a test.
Why is a TB Test Important?
It is very important to conduct a test for Tuberculosis as it is an important feature of preventive healthcare, and there are various reasons why it’s important:
1. Early Diagnosis
Individuals infected with Tuberculosis may not always show symptoms immediately, and by the time the symptoms start appearing, it gets too late as the disease has already spread. Early detection is crucial to prevent further complications, and it can be done using a test. This can help you start your treatment sooner and reduce further complications.
2. Preventing Transmission
As Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease and can spread in close contact settings very easily, it is important to conduct the test of the individuals showing symptoms so that they can be identified and the risk of its spread can be reduced by taking preventive measures.
3. Compliance with Health Requirements
In many professions, like health care and education, a test is considered as mandatory, as it is considered a part of health screenings. Other than this, many other places, like travel destinations where the risk of getting infected with Tuberculosis is high, may require an examination showing negative results as proof that you don’t have TB.
Types of TB Tests Available
There are two tests for tuberculosis, TB Skin Test (TST) and TB Blood Test (IGRA), which are usually performed to detect tuberculosis.
1. TB Skin Test (TST)
Mantoux test, or TB skin test, is a specialized test that is mostly used for diagnosing tuberculosis infection.
Procedure: While performing this TB test, a small portion of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected into your forearm’s skin, and you are recalled to the clinic after 48-72 hours for the examination of the site of injection.
Interpreting Results: A raised hard area on the skin may indicate that the results are positive, suggesting exposure to tuberculosis bacteria. The bump’s size helps indicate whether the test results are positive or not.
TB skin test is the most commonly used test and is very cost-effective, too. However, it may give false positive results, too, and the results may not be accurate, especially in those individuals who have received the BCG vaccine.
2. TB Blood Test (IGRA)
The TB blood test, also known as Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), is a more advanced way of detecting tuberculosis infection.
The two types of this test are QuantiFERON-TB Gold and T-SPOT.TB.
Procedure: The procedure for this test is simple: a blood sample is drawn and then sent to the laboratory, where it is tested to check the reactions of the immune system to tuberculosis bacteria.
Interpreting Results: The results are given within 24-48 hours as positive, negative, or indeterminate.
The results of this test are accurate, especially for those who have received the BCG vaccine.
At Call My Doctor, we offer both tests for Tuberculosis, and our qualified healthcare team can help you decide which one to get.
Who Should Consider Taking a TB Test?
People at risk of getting infected with Tuberculosis should consider taking a test for TB. Some examples are healthcare workers, individuals traveling to high-risk countries, immune-compromised people, individuals living with persons infected with Tuberculosis, and individuals who want to get their screening done.
Understanding Your TB Test Results
This test can be done at a clinic, laboratory, or hospital. However, the results usually take 24-48 hours to be delivered. Let’s understand the test results:
Negative: A negative test result means that the person is free of tuberculosis bacteria, but if you are at high risk and observe symptoms persist, then additional testing can be recommended.
Positive: Positive tuberculosis test results show that you have been infected with tuberculosis bacteria. However, it does not necessarily mean you have active tuberculosis disease; further investigations like a chest X-ray and sputum culture may be required to check the presence of an active infection.
At Call My Doctor, our healthcare professionals will explain the test results of the tuberculosis test clearly and guide you further.
Why Choose to Call My Doctor for Your TB Test?
If you are at a high risk of getting a tuberculosis infection or you are experiencing symptoms of TB, then you can get your tuberculosis tests done immediately by contacting Call My Doctor for TB assessment. Here, you can schedule your appointment at your own convenience, receive professional care, and get quicker and more reliable results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to get your TB test done as soon as possible if you are a high-risk individual or if you are experiencing symptoms of Tuberculosis infection. Understanding the importance of early screening, types of tests, and taking preventive measures can make a huge difference in managing your health. Tuberculosis tests are part of preventive health care. So, take your tests now, and protect your well-being and those around you.
