Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Is Available in Magnolia & Vintage Park, TX
A potentially serious bacterial infection, tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs but also can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. TB mainly spreads from person to person. How? Whenever an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks, tiny, bacteria-containing droplets are released into the air, and then are inhaled by an uninfected person.
Although tuberculosis is now relatively uncommon in the United States, the infection rate has been slowly but steadily climbing in recent years. Some health experts believe the comeback of TB may be related to the advent of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which hinders the body’s ability to fight off infections. At Medella Urgent Care, we’re pleased to offer reliable tuberculosis testing and other on-site lab services at our walk-in clinics in Magnolia and Vintage Park, Texas.
Should You Consider Tuberculosis Testing?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tuberculosis testing is recommended for anyone who is at increased risk for contracting TB, such as individuals who:
- Have tuberculosis symptoms, such as a cough, fever, night sweats, and unintended weight loss
- Have had close contact with an infected person
- Have an HIV infection or are otherwise immunocompromised
- Live or work in an area where tuberculosis is prevalent, such as a nursing home, assisted living center, homeless shelter, or jail
What Does Tuberculosis Testing Involve?
At Medella Urgent Care, we utilize the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) to diagnose tuberculosis. Using a thin needle, a provider will inject a small amount of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) fluid into the skin on your forearm. Immediately afterward, a small bump will appear at the injection site. After your TST, you’ll be asked to return to our facility in a few days so we can check for a skin reaction, such as swelling or a hard, raised area at the injection site.
If your TST produces a positive result, we will recommend further testing to determine whether your TB infection is latent or active. A latent infection is not contagious and does not cause symptoms, but if left untreated, it can progress into an active infection.
Getting a TB test in Magnolia or Vintage Park, TX, is easy when you turn to the expert medical staff at Medella Urgent Care. You never need an appointment to visit our walk-in clinic for tuberculosis testing or any other reason, but you can always check in online to expedite your visit.
