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Where Do I Get a TB Test?

Where Do I Get a TB Test?

Do you experience persistent cough (often with blood), fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite? Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. At Reddy Urgent Care, Dr. Usha Rani K. Reddy, M.D., is committed to delivering top-notch medical services, including TB testing, to help protect our patients. Our experienced team is here to provide testing that can help detect TB early for effective management. For more information, contact us. We have convenient locations to serve you in Bixby Knolls, Downtown Long Beach, and Paramount, CA.

Where Do I Get a TB Test? | Reddy Urgent Care Near Me in Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls, and Paramount, CA
Where Do I Get a TB Test? | Reddy Urgent Care Near Me in Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls, and Paramount, CA

Table of Contents:

What is a TB test and why is it important?
What does a positive TB test result mean?
What does a negative TB test result indicate?
How often should I get a TB test?

What is a TB test and why is it important?


Tuberculosis remains a significant public health concern, and early detection is key to effective management and prevention. Here’s what you need to know about TB testing and how it integrates with the services we provide.

Types of TB Tests:

1. Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): This traditional method involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin under the skin. Our healthcare professionals will carefully assess the area for any reaction after 48 to 72 hours, helping to determine your TB status.
2. Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): We offer advanced blood tests, such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, which provide accurate results by measuring the immune system’s response to TB bacteria.

Why TB Testing is Essential:

Early Detection and Treatment: At Reddy Urgent Care, we emphasize the importance of identifying latent TB infections early to prevent them from developing into active, contagious diseases. Timely intervention can significantly reduce health risks.
Risk Assessment and Monitoring: Our TB testing services help assess your risk of developing active TB. If you test positive, our team will guide you through further evaluations and necessary follow-ups.
Preventive Care: By diagnosing and treating latent TB, we aim to prevent the spread of the disease within our community, safeguarding both individual and public health.
Screening for High-Risk Groups: We offer TB screening services for individuals in high-risk categories, such as healthcare workers and those recently immigrated from regions with high TB prevalence. Regular screening is vital in controlling TB in environments like healthcare facilities and correctional institutions.

What does a positive TB test result mean?


A positive TB test result indicates exposure to the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but it doesn’t necessarily mean active TB disease is present. Our experienced healthcare providers guide you through understanding and managing your test results.

Interpreting the Results at Reddy Urgent Care:

We offer two primary types of TB tests to assess exposure:

1. Tuberculin Skin Test:

• We administer a small amount of tuberculin PPD into the forearm skin.
• After 48-72 hours, we evaluate the site for induration, which indicates exposure.

Interpretation is based on induration size:

• 5mm or larger: Positive in high-risk individuals.
• 10mm or larger: Positive in the general population.

2. Interferon-Gamma Release Assay:

• This blood test measures the immune response to TB antigens.
• It’s particularly useful for those with prior BCG vaccination.
• A positive result indicates TB infection, not necessarily an active disease. Many individuals may have latent TB infection (LTBI).
• We conduct further diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays and sputum cultures, to determine if active TB disease is present.
• Our skilled team considers potential false-positive or false-negative results, especially in those with previous BCG vaccination or weakened immune systems.

If LTBI is diagnosed, our providers may recommend preventive treatment to lower the risk of developing active TB, involving a course of antibiotics. For active TB disease, we offer a detailed treatment plan to effectively manage the infection and prevent its spread.

What does a negative TB test result indicate?


A negative TB test result from our clinic indicates that, at the time of testing, you do not have an active tuberculosis infection. Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily targets the lungs but can affect other areas of the body. At Reddy Urgent Care, we offer both the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs), to accurately assess TB infection.

A negative result generally suggests that there is no detectable TB infection or that your immune system has not reacted in a way identifiable by the test. Specifically, a negative IGRA result indicates that there hasn’t been a significant immune response to the TB antigens, pointing to the absence of an active infection. This could mean you have never been exposed to TB, or that any exposure did not lead to infection.

However, it’s important to consider factors that might affect test interpretation. For example, testing too soon after exposure might not yield accurate results, as it can take time for the immune system to respond. Additionally, individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or on immunosuppressive drugs, may receive a false-negative result.

How often should I get a TB test?


At Reddy Urgent Care, we prioritize your health and well-being by providing comprehensive medical guidance, including the management and testing of infectious diseases like Tuberculosis (TB). Understanding the frequency of TB testing is crucial, especially for those at higher risk. Our healthcare professionals are here to help you determine the most appropriate testing schedule based on your individual risk factors and the prevalence of TB in our community.

High-Risk Individuals:

• If you’ve had known or suspected exposure to someone with active TB, it’s important to get tested regularly.
• Those living in or frequently visiting areas with a high incidence of TB should also consider more frequent testing.
• As healthcare workers or caregivers in contact with TB patients, regular testing is essential to ensure your safety and that of your patients.
• If you are immunocompromised or have medical conditions like HIV that increase your susceptibility to TB, annual testing is often recommended.

For high-risk individuals, TB testing is typically suggested on an annual basis. However, if you’ve been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB, your healthcare provider at Reddy Urgent Care may recommend more frequent testing.

Low-Risk Individuals:

• If you have no known risk factors for TB and live in an area with low prevalence, less frequent testing may be adequate.
• Testing every 2-4 years is generally sufficient. However, if you exhibit symptoms suggestive of TB, such as a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats, or if your risk status changes, more frequent testing might be necessary.

TB Testing is available at Reddy Urgent Care. For more information, contact us. We have convenient locations to serve you in Long Beach, Bixby Knolls, and Paramount, CA. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, Paramount CA, East Side CA, Los Altos CA, and surrounding areas of California.

Urgent Care Clinic in Long Beach and Paramount, CA - Locations

Downtown Long Beach, CA

Bixby Knolls Long Beach, CA

Paramount, CA


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