Question 1

What is Latent TB Infection?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria remain dormant in the body without causing symptoms or active disease. The bacteria are kept inactive by the immune system but can reactivate later if immunity weakens. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus is the most important test for diagnosing latent TB infection.

Question 2

What causes latent TB infection?

Accepted Answer

Latent TB infection is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria entering the body and being contained by the immune system. When you breathe in air contaminated by someone with active TB disease, the bacteria can settle in your lungs where your immune system walls them off, keeping them dormant. These inactive bacteria can remain in your body for years or even your entire lifetime without making you sick or contagious.

Question 3

What is the best test for latent TB infection?

Accepted Answer

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus is the most important test for latent TB infection because it detects your immune system's specific response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens through a simple blood draw. Unlike the traditional skin test, this blood test requires only one visit, provides results within 24 hours, is unaffected by previous BCG vaccination, and accurately identifies whether TB bacteria are present in your body. The test measures interferon-gamma release from white blood cells when exposed to TB proteins, making it highly sensitive and specific for detecting latent infection before it progresses to active disease.

Question 4

When should I get tested for latent TB infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB, have recently traveled to or lived in countries with high TB rates like India, China, the Philippines, or sub-Saharan Africa, work in healthcare settings, have HIV or other conditions that weaken your immune system, or plan to start medications that suppress immunity. Testing is crucial because latent TB has no symptoms, and early detection allows you to receive preventive treatment before the infection becomes active and contagious.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of latent TB infection?

Accepted Answer

Latent TB infection produces no symptoms at all, which is what distinguishes it from active TB disease. You feel completely healthy, have no cough, fever, or weight loss, and cannot spread the infection to others. Your chest X-ray appears normal, and you have no signs of illness. The only way to know if you have latent TB infection is through blood testing, which is why screening is so important for people at higher risk of exposure to tuberculosis bacteria.

Question 6

Who is at risk for latent TB infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those who have spent time with someone with active TB disease, immigrants from countries with high TB rates, healthcare workers and laboratory staff exposed to TB patients, residents and employees of congregate settings like homeless shelters or correctional facilities, and people with weakened immune systems from HIV, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer treatment, or immunosuppressive medications. Children under 5 years old and adults over 65 are also at increased risk of progression from latent to active TB if infected.

Question 7

What happens if latent TB infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Without treatment, approximately 5 to 10 percent of people with latent TB infection will develop active TB disease at some point in their lives, most commonly within the first two years after infection. Active TB disease causes severe symptoms including persistent cough with bloody sputum, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Once TB becomes active, you become contagious and can spread the bacteria to others through coughing or speaking. Active TB can damage your lungs permanently and spread to other organs like the brain, kidneys, or spine, potentially becoming life-threatening without proper treatment.

Question 8

Can latent TB infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, latent TB infection is diagnosed with blood tests called interferon-gamma release assays, with QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus being the most widely used. These blood tests measure how your immune cells react to TB proteins and can accurately detect latent infection with just one blood draw. Blood tests are preferred over skin tests because they require only one visit, are not affected by previous BCG vaccination, eliminate the subjectivity of reading skin reactions, and provide objective laboratory results that help your doctor determine if you need preventive treatment.

Question 9

How is latent TB infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Latent TB infection is treated with preventive antibiotic therapy to kill dormant bacteria before they can become active. The most common treatment regimens include taking isoniazid daily for 6 to 9 months, rifampin daily for 4 months, or a combination of isoniazid and rifapentine weekly for 3 months. These medications are highly effective at preventing progression to active TB disease, reducing your risk by up to 90 percent. Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment with periodic blood tests to check liver function and ensure the medication is well-tolerated.

Question 10

How can I prevent latent TB infection?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your risk of TB infection by avoiding prolonged close contact with people who have active TB disease, ensuring good ventilation in indoor spaces where someone with TB may have been, wearing N95 respirator masks in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities treating TB patients, and getting tested regularly if you work in high-risk environments. If you live with someone diagnosed with active TB, ensure they complete their full treatment course and follow respiratory hygiene practices. In countries where TB is common, the BCG vaccine may provide some protection, particularly in children, though it does not prevent latent infection in adults.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my immune system with latent TB infection?

Accepted Answer

While latent TB infection requires medical treatment to prevent progression, you can support your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins C, D, and zinc to keep your defenses strong. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as both weaken immunity and increase the risk of TB reactivation. Get adequate sleep, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and stay physically active to maintain overall health. Control any chronic conditions like diabetes or HIV that could compromise your immune system, and strictly avoid missing doses if prescribed preventive TB medication, as incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant bacteria.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Latent TB Infection Blood Test

What is Latent TB Infection?

What causes latent TB infection?

What is the best test for latent TB infection?

When should I get tested for latent TB infection?

References

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