Question 1

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through airborne droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test is the most important test for detecting TB infection because it measures your immune system's response to TB antigens.

Question 2

What causes tuberculosis (TB)?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. When you breathe in these bacteria, they can settle in your lungs and begin to grow, eventually spreading to other parts of your body through your bloodstream. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick, as your immune system can often wall off the bacteria, resulting in latent TB infection without symptoms.

Question 3

What is the best test for tuberculosis (TB)?

Accepted Answer

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus is the most important blood test for TB because it detects whether your immune system has been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This test measures your immune response to specific TB antigens and is particularly useful for people who have received the BCG vaccine, have difficulty returning for skin test readings, or have conditions that may affect skin test results. Unlike traditional skin tests, the QuantiFERON test requires only one blood draw and provides results within 24 hours. While a positive test indicates TB infection, additional tests like chest X-rays and sputum cultures are needed to determine if you have latent or active tuberculosis disease.

Question 4

When should I get tested for tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB disease, work in healthcare or high-risk settings like prisons or homeless shelters, have traveled to or lived in countries with high TB rates, or have a weakened immune system from conditions like HIV or diabetes. Testing is also recommended if you experience persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, or coughing up blood. Early detection is crucial because TB can be effectively treated when caught early, and testing helps prevent spread to others.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Active TB disease causes a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, often producing phlegm or blood, chest pain especially when breathing or coughing, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, fever, and drenching night sweats. Some people also experience chills, loss of appetite, and weakness. Latent TB infection has no symptoms, which is why testing is important if you have been exposed. Symptoms of TB affecting other body parts vary depending on the organs involved and may include back pain for spinal TB or blood in urine for kidney TB.

Question 6

Who is at risk for tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those with close, prolonged contact with someone who has active TB disease, individuals who have lived in or traveled to countries with high TB rates like India, China, the Philippines, or parts of Africa and Latin America, healthcare workers, residents and employees of congregate settings like nursing homes or prisons, and people with weakened immune systems due to HIV, diabetes, kidney disease, or medications that suppress immunity. Children under five and adults over 65 also have higher risk, as do people who use injection drugs or tobacco products.

Question 7

What happens if tuberculosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated active TB disease can be fatal, destroying your lungs and spreading to your brain, spine, kidneys, and other organs. TB kills approximately 1.5 million people worldwide each year when left untreated. The bacteria can cause permanent lung damage, respiratory failure, and spread infection to others in your household and community. Even latent TB infection should be treated because it can reactivate years later when your immune system weakens, developing into active disease in 5-10% of infected people. Early testing and treatment prevent these serious complications and stop transmission to vulnerable individuals.

Question 8

Can tuberculosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test can detect TB infection by measuring your immune system's response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. This blood test is highly accurate and has advantages over traditional skin tests because it requires only one visit, is not affected by previous BCG vaccination, and eliminates the need to return for result readings. However, blood tests detect TB infection but cannot distinguish between latent and active disease, so your doctor may order additional tests like chest X-rays, sputum cultures, or molecular tests to determine if you have active tuberculosis requiring immediate treatment.

Question 9

How is tuberculosis treated?

Accepted Answer

TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics taken for six to nine months, typically including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Latent TB infection requires shorter treatment, usually four to nine months of one or two medications to prevent progression to active disease. It is crucial to complete the entire course of treatment even if you feel better, because stopping early can lead to drug-resistant TB that is much harder to treat. Treatment is highly effective when medications are taken correctly, with cure rates exceeding 95% for drug-susceptible TB. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular follow-up appointments and tests.

Question 10

How can I prevent tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Prevent TB by avoiding prolonged close contact with people who have active TB disease, ensuring good ventilation in indoor spaces, and wearing N95 respirator masks in high-risk settings. If you have latent TB infection, complete your prescribed preventive treatment to avoid developing active disease. Healthcare workers should follow infection control protocols including proper mask use and isolation procedures. Maintain a strong immune system through good nutrition, adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes. If traveling to high-risk countries, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces and consider getting tested before and after your trip.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support TB treatment?

Accepted Answer

While TB requires medical treatment with antibiotics, you can support your recovery by taking all medications exactly as prescribed without missing doses, eating a nutritious diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables to support your immune system, getting plenty of rest, avoiding alcohol which can interfere with TB medications and harm your liver, and quitting smoking to improve lung function. Stay isolated in a well-ventilated room during the initial weeks of treatment to avoid spreading infection to family members, cover your mouth when coughing, and dispose of tissues properly. Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your treatment progress and adjust medications if needed.

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.

Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

What causes tuberculosis (TB)?

What is the best test for tuberculosis (TB)?

When should I get tested for tuberculosis?

References

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