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 a tuberculosis infection. It's also useful if you've had contact with someone diagnosed with active TB or if a prior screening test came back suspicious. The test looks directly at a sputum sample to detect the TB bacteria and check whether it would resist one of the main TB drugs.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If the bacteria is detected, especially with rifampin resistance, this is time-sensitive information and you should seek medical care right away so treatment can start without delay. The full lab report is available to download from your account at any time, and if you get retested later you can track results over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support healthy lungs while managing TB risk?

While TB itself requires proper treatment, you can support your lungs and immune system with good nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke. Staying well-hydrated and eating protein-rich foods helps your body recover strength if you're fighting an infection. These steps are supportive only and are not a substitute for appropriate treatment when TB bacteria are detected.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this is a PCR-based test looking for genetic material from the bacteria, it's faster than older culture-based methods that can take weeks. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone with TB symptoms, known exposure to someone with active tuberculosis, or an abnormal chest X-ray or prior screening test suggesting TB. People living in or traveling from areas with high TB rates, or those with weakened immune systems, may also want to consider this test. It's especially valuable when a fast, accurate answer is needed to guide next steps.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common warning signs include a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood or mucus, chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. If you have several of these symptoms together, especially after possible exposure to someone with TB, it's worth getting tested. Symptoms alone can't confirm TB, which is why this direct sputum test is helpful.

What is rifampin resistance and why does it matter?

Rifampin is one of the main first-line drugs used to treat tuberculosis, and resistance to it often signals a harder-to-treat form of TB called multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Detecting this resistance early means treatment can be adjusted right away instead of relying on a drug that won't work. This test checks for that resistance at the same time it checks for the TB bacteria itself, so no time is lost.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the TB bacteria's genetic material was found in your sputum sample, indicating an active infection that needs prompt treatment. If rifampin resistance is also detected, this means the standard first-line drug regimen may not work and a different treatment approach is needed. Because active TB is contagious through the air, it's important to seek medical care quickly and follow isolation guidance until treatment begins.

What causes rifampin resistance to develop?

Rifampin resistance usually develops when TB treatment is incomplete, doses are missed, or the wrong combination of drugs is used, allowing resistant bacteria to survive and multiply. It can also occur if someone is infected with an already-resistant strain from another person. This is why finishing a full, correctly prescribed TB treatment course is so important for preventing resistance.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your test detects TB bacteria, especially with rifampin resistance, seek medical care as soon as possible so treatment can begin without delay. In the meantime, avoid close contact with others and cover coughs to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Keep a copy of your lab report handy, since it will guide the treatment approach that's used.

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 Sputum PCR Test - Detects Tuberculosis & 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

[email protected]

TB Sputum PCR Test with Rifampin Resistance Screening

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and Rifampin Resistance, PCR, Sputum

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

How can I naturally support healthy lungs while managing TB risk?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

TB Sputum PCR Test with Rifampin Resistance Screening

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say