It is likely you will also need a chest x-ray and assessment by a doctor or specialist nurse. Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a blood test that can diagnose latent TB by looking at the immune system cells in the blood. You can also get a positive result if you have had the TB vaccine (called the BCG). It’s not generally painful but could be itchy. If you have been exposed to TB bacteria in the past, your skin can become raised and red, which can mean a positive result. Testing for latent TB If you are being tested for latent TB, there are two types of test you may be given: TB skin testĪ skin test (also called a Mantoux test) is an injection of a tiny amount of tuberculin extract under the skin of your forearm. As TB culture grows slowly, it may take up to eight weeks to get some of the results. This helps ensure they put you on a combination of drugs that will cure you. It tells doctors how infectious you are and also whether your TB is resistant to any antibiotics. This test uses your sputum or tissue sample to grow any TB bacteria that may be there. This is a small sample of tissue or fluid taken from the area where the TB is thought to be. If it is thought that you have TB, but not in your lungs or throat, the doctor may take a biopsy to test for TB. This test also helps doctors to understand how infectious you may be. If there are TB germs in your sputum, you have tuberculosis of the lungs or throat (pulmonary TB). Testing sputumĪ lab will use a microscope to look at any sputum (phlegm) that you cough up. Chest x-rayĪ chest x-ray can show damage in your lungs, but you might need further tests to prove you have TB, such as sputum and culture tests or scans. There are a range of tests to show if you have TB, such as a sputum test, a culture test and x-rays. Delaying treatment makes it more likely you may develop long-term health problems and could put people close to you at risk. If you do have TB, it’s best to know as soon as possible. If your GP suspects you may have TB, they will send you for testing.
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