TB Skin Testing

At The Shot Nurse, we provide convenient TB testing for school requirements, employment screenings, healthcare workers, travel, and personal health monitoring. We offer both skin and blood tests based on your history with the disease.

What Is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most commonly affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, and spine.

There are two forms of tuberculosis, latent infection and active disease. If TB is latent, it means they carry the bacteria but do not feel sick and cannot spread the disease. Active is when the bacteria causes symptoms and can spread to others. According to the CDC, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick, which is why testing is important for people at increased risk.

Common Symptoms of Active TB Disease

Symptoms of active tuberculosis may include:

• Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite

If you are experiencing symptoms of active TB disease, immediate evaluation by your healthcare provider is important.

How Is Tuberculosis Spread?

TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected. TB is not spread by touching surfaces or furniture, sharing dishes or utensils, handshakes, or casual brief contact. Most TB transmission occurs after prolonged close contact with someone who has active TB disease.

Who Is at Higher Risk for TB?

Anyone can get TB, but some people have a higher risk of exposure or infection, including:

• People who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB
• Healthcare workers
• Nursing home residents
• Correctional facility inmates
• Homeless individuals
• People born in or traveling frequently to countries where TB is more common
• Daycare workers
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS
• People who use intravenous drugs or misuse alcohol

The CDC recommends TB testing for individuals at increased risk of infection or progression to active disease.

TB Testing Services at The Shot Nurse

TB Skin Testing (Mantoux Method)

The TB skin test, also called the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST), involves placing a small amount of testing solution under the skin of the forearm. This is a quick in-office administration with follow-up interpretation within 48-72 hours. We will provide documentation for work, school, or clinical requirements

QuantiFERON® TB Blood Test

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test is an alternative screening option that may be recommended for individuals who have previously received the BCG vaccine, have a history of false-positive skin tests, need a single-visit TB test option, or require additional latent TB screening

This blood test helps detect latent TB infection and must be performed in-office due to special collection and handling requirements.

TB Infection vs. TB Disease

Latent TB Infection

People with latent TB infection test positive on a TB skin or blood test, but do not feel sick or have any symptoms. They also cannot spread TB to others.

Active TB Disease

People with active TB disease usually feel sick, may experience symptoms such as coughing and fever, can spread TB bacteria to others if the disease affects the lungs or throat, and require medical treatment

Get Tested Today at The Shot Nurse

Whether you need a TB skin test for work or school, or a QuantiFERON blood test for additional screening, The Shot Nurse offers fast, convenient testing with professional documentation to help you meet your requirements quickly and easily. Call or walk in today for more information!