What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fatigue that could point to tuberculosis (TB). It's also used to check whether someone already diagnosed with TB is still able to spread the infection to others. The test looks for the specific bacteria that cause TB in a sample from your body.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your online account, with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative finding means. If your result is positive, next steps typically involve isolating from others and seeking care right away since TB can be contagious, while a negative result may still call for retesting if symptoms continue. You can download the standard lab report directly from your account at any time. If you're monitoring your status over time, the trends feature lets you track multiple results together.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with ongoing cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss should consider this test, especially if they've been around someone with active TB. People who work or live in close quarters, such as shelters, correctional facilities, or healthcare settings, are also good candidates. It's also useful for confirming whether a person previously treated for TB is still contagious.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common warning signs include a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unintended weight loss. These symptoms can point to active TB, especially if they don't improve over time. If you've had recent close contact with someone diagnosed with TB, testing is worth considering even without symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. Because this test involves closely examining the sample under specialized staining, it can take a bit longer than routine blood work. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

What is tuberculosis and why does it matter?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that most often affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It matters because untreated TB can cause serious lung damage and can spread to other people, especially in close-contact settings. Catching it early helps protect both your health and the health of people around you.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the bacteria that cause TB were found in your sample, which suggests you may have an active infection that can spread to others. This usually calls for prompt attention, isolating from others, and following up with additional testing to confirm the diagnosis. Early action helps prevent the infection from getting worse or spreading further.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means no TB bacteria were detected in your sample at the time of testing. This is reassuring, but if your symptoms continue or you've had known exposure to TB, your results explain when retesting might make sense. Sometimes a single negative test isn't enough to fully rule out infection, especially in early stages.

How often should I retest?

If your first test was negative but you're still having symptoms or had recent TB exposure, retesting a few weeks later is a reasonable step. People in high-risk environments, like healthcare or shelter settings, may benefit from periodic testing as part of routine health monitoring. Your results report will outline any suggested retesting timeline based on your outcome.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result comes back positive, it's important to limit close contact with others right away and seek medical care promptly, since TB can be contagious. Wearing a mask around others and avoiding shared, poorly ventilated spaces can help reduce spread while you arrange further evaluation. Keep your lab report handy, as it will be useful for any follow-up testing or care you pursue.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

TB Screening Test - Acid-Fast Mycobacteria Stain

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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