What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or coughing up blood. It's also useful if you've been in close contact with someone diagnosed with tuberculosis or have symptoms that suggest a lung infection that isn't clearing up on its own. The test checks a respiratory sample for the bacteria that causes tuberculosis so you can get clarity on what's causing your symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account, with each part of the report explained so you understand what a positive or negative finding means. If the result comes back positive, the next step is to seek medical care right away since tuberculosis requires specific antibiotic treatment and monitoring. A standard lab report is available to download from your account at any time. You can also use the trends feature to keep a record of this and any future respiratory testing.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a lingering cough, unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss that hasn't improved with typical rest and care should consider this test. People who have spent time around someone with confirmed tuberculosis, traveled to areas where TB is common, or work in healthcare or crowded living settings are also good candidates. It's a straightforward way to rule in or rule out an active TB infection.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common warning signs include a cough that lasts longer than three weeks, coughing up blood or mucus, chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and losing weight without trying. If you notice several of these symptoms together, especially after being around someone with TB, it's worth getting checked. Catching an infection early makes treatment simpler and helps protect the people around you.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days because this test involves both rapid PCR analysis and a culture step, which needs extra time for bacteria to grow if present. The culture portion helps confirm the diagnosis and can also determine which antibiotics will work best. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is ready to view in your account.

What is tuberculosis and why does it matter?

Tuberculosis is a lung infection caused by a type of bacteria that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It matters because if left untreated, it can cause serious lung damage and spread to other people around you. Getting tested and treated early keeps the infection from getting worse and lowers the risk of passing it on to family, friends, or coworkers.

How can I naturally support my lungs while recovering?

While an active TB infection needs proper antibiotic treatment, you can support your lungs and immune system with good nutrition, plenty of rest, and staying hydrated. Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke gives your lungs a better chance to heal. Getting enough sleep and eating protein-rich foods can also help your body fight off infection more effectively.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the bacteria that causes tuberculosis was found in your sample, which points to an active infection needing treatment. This is a situation where you should seek medical care promptly, since TB requires a specific course of antibiotics over several months. Follow-up testing is often used later to confirm the infection has cleared.

What causes a false or unclear result?

Sometimes a sample with too little bacteria, an improperly collected specimen, or very early-stage infection can lead to an unclear or negative result even when TB is present. Old or inactive TB infections can also complicate results, which is why the combination of PCR, culture, and smear methods is used together for accuracy. If your symptoms continue despite a negative result, retesting or additional evaluation is a reasonable next step.

How often should I retest?

If you were exposed to someone with active TB but had a negative result, retesting a few months later is often recommended since the infection can take time to show up. If you're being treated for TB, follow-up testing is typically done periodically to track how well the treatment is working. Otherwise, retesting isn't needed unless new symptoms appear or you have another known exposure.

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 Respiratory Test - Detect Tuberculosis Infection

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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