TB Skin Testing
TB testing is a common requirement for many corporations, especially in health care. e7 Health can assist with your TB skin test and help corporations save time and money. Corporations often need TB testing for preemployment and annually. We offer same-day and next-day appointments.
e7 Health can help save corporations time by offering on-site TB skin testing. We can schedule a time to perform all the TB skin tests in an organized fashion on-site of your corporation and then return for the reading as well. On-site TB testing helps to decrease incomplete tests.
e7 Health can also help corporations with using proprietary technology with health care. We provide clients with electronic medical records, invoicing and customizable medical reports technology to meet clients needs for meeting compliance in your industry. Medical records for TB tests are electronically kept so they are always legible and easy to read.
We provide TB testing through the TB skin test or Quantiferon (TB blood test also known as IGRA test). We can also provide a chest x-ray if a person receives an abnormal result.
What is a TB test?
A TB test is a medical test done to determine if a person has latent or active TB. It's a screening test. There are two different methods or TB tests, both of which e7 Health offers.
The TB skin test is one method. It may also be known as a Mantoux tuberculin skin test. It is inexpensive and the test method most are familiar with who have had TB test before. A TB skin test is an injection of a purified protein derivative injected under the skin. Most people who have had a TB infection their immune system will recognize the PPD and react in the skin.
A TB skin test is read by a health-care provider who feels the arm 48-72 hours later and feeling for an area of induration (firm swelling). The results are recorded in mm. If the results are interpreted as positive, it is recommended that the person have a chest x-ray to examine the lungs for signs of active TB and the person also follow up with a provider to evaluate if treatment of TB is indicated.
Sometimes, a two-step test is performed. This is having a TB skin test twice at least 1 week apart from the reading of the first test. This is often done because some people previously infected with TB will not become positive on the first test but will on the second test due a "boosted reaction."
The other method used for TB testing is called a Quantiferon. A Quantiferon is a blood test used to detect Tuberculosis. It's convenient because it's a simple blood test and there's no return date needed like the TB skin test. If someone needs a two-step TB skin test, this can save a lot of time doing the blood test instead.
If a Quantiferon is abnormal, a chest x-ray and follow-up with provider is recommended.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterium that is spread through the air from person to person. Usually, the bacteria affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is still on the top 10 causes of death worldwide. TB testing programs, often mandated by health authorities for high-risk populations such as health care workers, prison population and workers, long-term care workers, and immigrants from high-risk countries, are useful in detecting people who have been infected by tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis can either cause active TB or latent TB. Latent TB means to be infected with the disease but is not ill (yet) and cannot transit the disease at that time.
Active TB causes illness such as cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss. The symptoms can last for several months and during that time is when transmission of bacteria can spread to others.
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