Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious respiratory infection that mainly affects the lungs, although it can also affect other areas. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are spread from person to person via coughs and sneezes when tiny droplets are released into the air. Once rare in developed countries, tuberculosis infections began increasing in the mid-1980s, which is allegedly connected to the emergence of HIV. This is thought to be the case because HIV weakens a person’s immune system, disabling defense against the TB bacteria. In the United States, tuberculosis began to decrease again in 1993 thanks to stronger control programs, however, it still remains a concern.

Many tuberculosis strains resist the most common drugs used to treat the disease, forcing other treatment options to be discovered. To get rid of the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance, people with active tuberculosis must take many types of medications for months.

A TB test is needed when:

• People have spent time with someone who is confirmed to have an active TB infection
• People traveled to a country where TB disease is common (including Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and Russia)
• People live or work in high-risk settings (including homeless shelters, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and correctional facilities)
• Caring for patients at risk for TB
• Infants, children, and adolescents are exposed to adults who are at a higher risk for developing tuberculosis or latent tuberculosis infection

Many people who have latent TB infection never develop the disease, however, some people with latent TB infection are at higher risk of developing TB disease than others, including:

• People with HIV infection
• People infected in the last 2 years
• Babies and young children
• People who inject illegal drugs
• People with autoimmune diseases
• Elderly people
• People who were previously not treated correctly

For people with a low risk of infection with TB bacteria, TB tests are generally not needed.

If you are looking for a TB test, come to PrimeHealth Urgent Care today. Our medical professionals are experienced at performing TB tests and can help you confirm a diagnosis.

A positive TB test means that the person has TB bacteria in their body, but it does not determine whether the infection is latent, or active.

Yes, PrimeHealth Urgent Care tests for TB. While tuberculosis may not be a common concern for many people, it is still a very real risk in certain situations and should be handled appropriately. There are several effective treatments for TB, but in order to treat the infection properly, it must be diagnosed in a timely manner. At the first sight of TB symptoms, it is important to receive a TB test. At PrimeHealth Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing you with all of your TB testing needs. Our medical professionals are experienced providers of TB tests and can help you determine whether you have an active or latent infection. Call us today to book an appointment for TB testing, or visit our clinic. We serve patients from Bradenton FL, Parrish FL, Sarasota FL, Ellenton FL, Palmetto FL, Lakewood Ranch FL, Fruitville FL, Sun City FL, Oneco FL, and West Samoset FL. We look forward to serving you!