Question 1

What is Latent Tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) occurs when a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria but does not have active disease or symptoms. The bacteria remain dormant in the body without causing illness or spreading to others. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test is the most important test for diagnosing latent tuberculosis because it detects the immune system's response to TB bacteria.

Question 2

What causes latent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that remain dormant in your body. You contract TB bacteria through airborne droplets when someone with active tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, or talks, and you breathe in these bacteria. However, with latent TB, your immune system walls off the bacteria and prevents them from multiplying or causing symptoms, which means you feel completely healthy and cannot spread TB to others.

Question 3

What is the best test for latent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test is the most important test for latent tuberculosis because it accurately detects whether you have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This advanced test measures your immune system's specific response to TB proteins, making it highly reliable for identifying latent infection even when you have no symptoms. Unlike older skin tests, the QuantiFERON test requires only one visit, provides results within 24-48 hours, and is not affected by previous BCG vaccination, making it the preferred testing method for detecting hidden TB infections.

Question 4

When should I get tested for latent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active tuberculosis, work or live in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities or homeless shelters, have recently immigrated from or traveled extensively to countries with high TB rates, or have a weakened immune system due to HIV, diabetes, or medications that suppress immunity. Testing is also recommended before starting immunosuppressive therapy, as latent TB can activate when your immune system is compromised.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of latent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis has no symptoms at all, which is why it is called latent or dormant infection. You feel completely healthy, have no cough, fever, weight loss, or any other signs of illness. The bacteria are alive in your body but inactive and controlled by your immune system. This is the key difference between latent TB and active tuberculosis disease, which causes noticeable symptoms and makes you contagious.

Question 6

Who is at risk for latent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include healthcare workers, individuals who have lived in or traveled to countries with high TB rates including parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, people living in crowded conditions like prisons or nursing homes, and those with weakened immune systems due to HIV, organ transplants, or immunosuppressive medications. Close household contacts of people with active TB have the highest risk of infection. About one-quarter of the world's population has latent TB infection, though most will never develop active disease.

Question 7

What happens if latent tuberculosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, latent tuberculosis has about a 5-10% lifetime risk of progressing to active tuberculosis disease, with the highest risk occurring within the first two years after infection. Active TB can cause severe lung damage, spread to other organs including the brain and bones, and become life-threatening if not treated promptly. The risk of progression increases significantly if your immune system becomes weakened by conditions like HIV, diabetes, cancer treatment, or long-term steroid use. Preventive treatment for latent TB can reduce your risk of developing active disease by up to 90%.

Question 8

Can latent tuberculosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, latent tuberculosis can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test called the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus. This test measures your immune system's response to specific TB proteins and can detect whether you have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria even though you have no symptoms. Blood tests for TB have largely replaced traditional skin tests because they are more convenient, require only one visit, and are not affected by prior BCG vaccination, providing more accurate results for detecting latent infection.

Question 9

How is latent tuberculosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis is treated with preventive antibiotic therapy to kill the dormant bacteria and prevent progression to active disease. The most common treatment regimens include taking isoniazid daily for 6-9 months, rifampin daily for 4 months, or a combination of isoniazid and rifapentine weekly for 3 months. Your healthcare provider will choose the best regimen based on your health status and potential drug interactions. Treatment is highly effective and can reduce your risk of developing active TB by 90% or more, protecting both your health and preventing potential spread to others in the future.

Question 10

How can I prevent latent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your risk of latent tuberculosis by avoiding prolonged close contact with people who have active TB disease, ensuring good ventilation in living and working spaces, wearing appropriate respiratory protection if you work in high-risk healthcare settings, and maintaining a strong immune system through healthy lifestyle habits. If you are traveling to or living in countries with high TB rates, be cautious about spending time in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. The BCG vaccine, commonly given in countries with high TB rates, provides some protection especially for children, though it is not routinely used in the United States.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my health with latent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

While latent tuberculosis requires medical treatment if detected, you can support your overall immune health by eating a nutritious diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress effectively. If you are prescribed preventive treatment, take all medications exactly as directed even though you feel healthy, as completing the full course is essential to prevent the bacteria from becoming active. Keep all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor for any side effects from treatment and ensure the infection does not progress to active disease.

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 Tuberculosis Blood Test

What is Latent Tuberculosis?

What causes latent tuberculosis?

What is the best test for latent tuberculosis?

When should I get tested for latent tuberculosis?

References

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