What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever and need to find out if tuberculosis bacteria are the cause. It also helps if you've had contact with someone diagnosed with tuberculosis or have already been diagnosed and need to know whether your infection will respond to standard treatment. This test looks directly for the bacteria's genetic material and checks whether it carries a change that makes it resistant to a key TB drug.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with an explanation of what a positive or negative result means for both the bacteria and the drug resistance marker. If your result is positive, the report outlines what steps typically come next, and a positive rifampin resistance result means a different treatment approach is usually needed. Because tuberculosis is a serious infection, a positive result should prompt you to seek medical care right away rather than waiting. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time and track any future retests through the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a cough lasting several weeks, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss should consider this test, especially if they've spent time around someone with active tuberculosis. It's also useful for people who travel to or come from regions where tuberculosis is common, or those who work in healthcare or crowded living settings. If you were previously treated for TB and want to confirm the strain isn't drug-resistant, this test is also relevant.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, sometimes with blood, along with chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. Some people also notice a loss of appetite or general weakness that doesn't improve with rest. If you're experiencing several of these symptoms together, especially after possible exposure to someone with TB, testing can help clarify what's going on.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this is a PCR-based test looking for bacterial genetic material, it takes a bit longer than simple blood work to complete accurately. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your secure account.

What is tuberculosis and why does it matter?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. It matters because it spreads through the air between people in close contact and can become life-threatening without proper treatment. Catching it early, and knowing whether the strain is resistant to standard drugs, makes treatment far more likely to succeed.

What does a positive rifampin resistance result mean?

A positive result means the tuberculosis bacteria found have a genetic change that makes them resistant to rifampin, one of the main first-line TB drugs. This often signals multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, meaning the infection may also resist isoniazid, another key drug. In this case, a more specialized treatment plan with different or additional medications is usually needed, so prompt medical follow-up is important.

What causes drug-resistant tuberculosis?

Drug resistance usually develops when TB treatment is incomplete, doses are missed, or the wrong combination of medications is used, allowing the bacteria to adapt and survive. It can also occur if someone is infected directly by a person who already has a drug-resistant strain. This is why finishing the full course of prescribed TB treatment exactly as directed is so important.

How often should I retest for tuberculosis?

If you're being treated for active TB, retesting is often done periodically during treatment to check that the bacteria are clearing and the treatment is working. If you had a negative result but symptoms continue or you have new potential exposure, retesting sooner makes sense. Otherwise, this test is generally used when symptoms or exposure history point to a possible infection, rather than on a routine schedule.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive for tuberculosis or shows rifampin resistance, seek medical care promptly, as tuberculosis requires timely and specific treatment to prevent it from worsening or spreading to others. Avoid close contact with others, especially in enclosed spaces, until you've received guidance on next steps. Keep a copy of your lab report handy, since the specific resistance findings will guide which medications are most likely to work.

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 PCR Test - Detects Bacteria & Drug Resistance

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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