Tuberculosis Screening
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Tuberculosis Screening
Tuberculosis screening is a simple medical test used to identify whether a person has been infected with the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. TB is an airborne bacterial infection that can affect the lungs, or other organs of the body. TB screening can help to catch the infection early, making it easier to treat before it progresses to a more serious stage.
Preparation for TB Screening
Generally speaking, no preparation is needed for TB screening. However, if a person has any particular medical conditions, they may need to be discussed with their doctor before the test. During the screening, the doctor may ask the person to explain any recent medical history or travel.
Procedure for TB Screening
The most common procedures for TB screening are skin tests or blood tests. The skin test involves injection of a small amount of tuberculin solution beneath the skin on the arm. If a person has been infected with TB, the area around the injection will become red and swollen within a few days. This indicates a positive reaction and the person is likely to have been infected. The blood test looks for antibodies that are produced in response to infection with TB bacteria. These tests provide more accurate results, and are especially useful in detecting which strain of TB bacteria the person has been infected with.
Types of TB Screenings
Screening for TB infection can be done either with a skin test or a blood test. In the skin test, the doctor will inject a small amount of tuberculin solution beneath the skin on the arm. If a person has been infected, the area around the injection will become red and swollen within a few days. This indicates a positive reaction. In the blood test, the doctor will take a few milliliters of blood and look for antibodies that are produced in response to infection with TB bacteria. This test provides more accurate results, and is especially useful in detecting which strain of TB bacteria the person has been infected with.
Risks of TB Screenings
Generally, TB screenings are considered to be safe and there are no significant risks. However, some people may experience mild discomfort, redness, or swelling at the injection site with the skin test. Those who have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are allergic to any of the materials used in the screening may need to consult their doctor before undertaking the procedure.
Why Should You Get Tested for TB?
TB is an airborne bacterial infection that can quickly spread among individuals. It is important to screen and diagnose the infection as early as possible, as it can become more serious and difficult to treat the longer it goes undiagnosed. Early diagnosis can also help to reduce the spread of the infection to others.
When Should You Get Tested for TB?
Individuals should discuss with their doctor whether they should be screened for TB. People who have any of the following risk factors should consider getting tested: coming from an area where TB is common, having been in close contact with someone who has TB, being immunocompromised, having HIV/AIDS, or having recently traveled to a high-risk area.
