What Is a TB (Tuberculosis) Test?

At Reddy Urgent Care, we offer tuberculosis (TB) testing to quickly and effectively determine if you’ve been exposed to the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the organism responsible for TB infections. Our experienced healthcare providers utilize proven diagnostic methods such as the tuberculin skin test—also known as the Mantoux test—or blood tests known as Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA).

The tuberculin skin test involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) just beneath your skin. If your immune system has previously encountered TB bacteria, it will recognize the injected proteins, resulting in a localized inflammatory reaction at the injection site within 48 to 72 hours. Our medical team at Reddy Urgent Care carefully evaluates the site for any reaction, providing timely and accurate results.

Alternatively, we offer the IGRA blood test, which measures your immune system’s response to specific TB antigens. This test evaluates the amount of interferon-gamma produced by your white blood cells in reaction to TB bacteria. Elevated interferon-gamma levels indicate prior exposure to tuberculosis.

While both TB testing methods available at Reddy Urgent Care effectively detect TB exposure, it’s important to understand that these tests alone do not distinguish between latent (inactive) TB infection and active TB disease. Should your test results indicate possible exposure, our healthcare team will guide you through any necessary follow-up evaluations and clinical assessments to confirm a diagnosis and determine appropriate next steps for your care.

TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also involve other areas of the body. Early identification of symptoms and prompt testing play a critical role in effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

You may need a TB test if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• A persistent cough lasting three weeks or more, sometimes accompanied by coughing up blood or mucus (sputum).
• Chest pain or discomfort, especially when breathing deeply or coughing.
• Unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, or ongoing fatigue and weakness.
• Frequent night sweats or fever without another clear cause.

Additionally, TB testing is highly recommended if you have recently been exposed to someone diagnosed with active tuberculosis, or if you belong to a community or region with a higher prevalence of TB. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or those taking medications that suppress immunity, should also strongly consider TB testing following exposure or if symptoms appear.

Our healthcare team is experienced in diagnosing and managing both types of TB infection to ensure your health and the safety of those around you.

Active Tuberculosis Testing
Active TB disease means that the bacteria are actively multiplying and causing symptoms, such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and fatigue. At Reddy Urgent Care, our medical providers will evaluate your symptoms and collect sputum samples (mucus coughed up from deep within your lungs). These samples are sent to a specialized laboratory for microscopic examination, culture, and molecular testing to confirm the presence of active TB infection. Additionally, chest X-rays are available at our facility and are commonly used to detect characteristic abnormalities associated with active tuberculosis.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) Testing
Latent TB infection is a condition in which the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are present in your body but remain dormant, causing no symptoms. People with latent TB do not feel sick and cannot spread the disease to others. Because latent TB infections usually do not cause symptoms and bacteria typically do not appear in sputum samples, testing methods differ from those used for active disease. At Reddy Urgent Care, we offer convenient testing options for latent TB, including:

• Tuberculin skin test (TST) – also known as the purified protein derivative (PPD) test
• Blood tests known as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs)

These tests measure your body’s immune response to the tuberculosis bacteria rather than looking directly for the bacteria themselves. A positive test result indicates exposure and infection, and our experienced providers will perform a thorough clinical assessment, including chest imaging, to rule out active tuberculosis disease.

Whether you need testing due to occupational requirements, school screenings, recent exposure to someone with TB, or you are experiencing symptoms, our skilled medical team is here to help.

At Reddy Urgent Care, tuberculosis (TB) testing is conveniently available during routine physical examinations. Our medical team routinely includes TB screening as part of preventive health assessments, particularly for individuals who may have risk factors such as recent travel, occupational exposure, or close contact with TB-positive individuals.

We offer the skin test, a minimally invasive screening method where a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected just beneath your skin. After approximately 48 to 72 hours, you simply return to our clinic, where our experienced clinicians will evaluate the injection site and determine if there is any reaction indicating possible TB exposure or infection.

Additionally, Reddy Urgent Care offers an alternative option—a convenient blood test known as the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). This method assesses your immune system’s response to TB bacteria through a simple blood sample. The IGRA test provides accurate results without the need for a follow-up visit to interpret the skin reaction.

At Reddy Urgent Care, we strive to provide convenient, accessible, and efficient healthcare services. Tuberculosis testing is straightforward, quick, and can be essential in maintaining your health, especially if you have potential risk factors. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, Paramount CA, Lakewood CA, Rossmoor CA, Carson CA, Bellflower CA, Lynwood CA, Norwalk CA, and surrounding areas.