Several tests can be performed to confirm the presence of tuberculosis.

Common tests include:

Skin Tests: Also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, these tests are the most used for tuberculosis diagnosis. A small amount of fluid, tuberculin, is injected just below the skin in the forearm. Tuberculin contains inactive versions of TB proteins; positive results are confirmed by raised, hard bumps or swelling at the site of the injection. If there is no reaction, the test is negative and TB bacteria was not detected.

Blood Tests: Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are blood tests used to measure the response to TB antigens. These may be performed instead of, or in addition to, a skin test.

Rapid Sputum Tests: When other tests indicate a possible TB infection, rapid sputum tests are used to confirm a tuberculosis diagnosis. Also called nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), rapid sputum tests are one of the most effective methods in diagnosing TB.

X-rays: A chest x-ray may be suggested if the results of a skin or blood test come back positive. The doctor will look for spots on the lungs or any physical changes caused by tuberculosis.

A positive tuberculosis result only confirms the presence of TB bacteria and does not indicate whether a person has an active or latent infection; determining this requires additional testing. TB disease can be diagnosed by lab tests, physical examination and medical history.

The three types of tuberculosis are:

Active TB: Active TB is an infection of TB bacteria that rapidly multiply and invade different areas of the body. TB infection is highly contagious and may spread to others, even if symptoms are not severe. The common symptoms of active TB include:

• Cough
• Phlegm
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Chills
• Nighttime sweating

Miliary TB: Miliary TB is a rare form of an active TB infection that occurs when tuberculosis bacteria move into the bloodstream. When this occurs, the bacteria quickly spread all over the body and can affect multiple organs simultaneously. This form of TB can be extremely fatal.

Latent TB: When someone with tuberculosis is asymptomatic (does not display any symptoms), it is known as latent TB. This encompasses many cases of TB and can be difficult to determine without a TB test. A chest x-ray may not show any abnormal signs. The only indication of latent TB infection may be a reaction to a skin or blood test. However, latent infections may escalate to active disease. The risk of this occurring is increased by illnesses or medications that compromise the immune system.

If you or someone you love is exhibiting symptoms of tuberculosis, seek medical treatment immediately. At Urgent Medical Care in Plymouth & Bloomfield, MI, we provide professional diagnoses and treatments for TB and can help you determine if you are infected. Call us today to book an appointment. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI, and surrounding areas!