Question 1

What is Active Tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Active tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs and can spread throughout the body. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria transmitted through airborne droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test is the most important test for detecting tuberculosis infection by measuring immune system response to TB antigens.

Question 2

What causes active tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Active tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. When you breathe in these bacteria, they settle in your lungs and begin to multiply, eventually spreading to other parts of your body through your bloodstream. People with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to developing active TB after exposure to the bacteria.

Question 3

What is the best test for active tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus is the most important blood test for active tuberculosis because it detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by measuring your immune system's specific response to TB proteins. This test analyzes how your white blood cells react when exposed to TB antigens, providing reliable results that help identify TB infection. Unlike older skin tests, the blood test requires only one visit, produces results within 24 hours, and is not affected by previous BCG vaccinations. A positive result indicates TB infection and requires immediate medical follow-up with additional tests like chest X-rays and sputum cultures to confirm active disease.

Question 4

When should I get tested for active tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, or coughing up blood. Testing is also important if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB, work in healthcare settings, have traveled to countries where TB is common, or have conditions that weaken your immune system like HIV or diabetes. Early detection is critical because active TB can spread to others and cause serious complications if left untreated.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of active tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Active tuberculosis symptoms include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood or mucus, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, chills, and drenching night sweats. When TB spreads beyond the lungs, you might experience symptoms specific to the affected area such as back pain with spinal TB, blood in urine with kidney TB, or severe headaches with TB meningitis. Some people with active TB feel surprisingly well initially, making testing important even with mild symptoms.

Question 6

Who is at risk for active tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or other conditions that weaken the immune system. Healthcare workers, people living in or traveling to countries with high TB rates, homeless individuals, people who use injection drugs, and those living in crowded conditions face increased exposure risk. Close contacts of TB patients, organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications, and individuals with a history of inadequately treated TB are also at elevated risk for developing active disease.

Question 7

What happens if active tuberculosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated active tuberculosis can be fatal, killing up to half of those infected within months to years. The bacteria progressively destroy lung tissue, causing permanent lung damage, respiratory failure, and severe breathing difficulties. TB can spread through your bloodstream to infect your brain, spine, kidneys, liver, heart, and bones, leading to life-threatening complications like meningitis, kidney failure, or spinal damage. You also continue spreading the infection to family members, coworkers, and anyone you come into close contact with, putting entire communities at risk.

Question 8

Can active tuberculosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test is a key diagnostic tool for active tuberculosis that detects your immune system's response to TB bacteria. While the blood test identifies TB infection, confirming active disease requires additional testing including chest X-rays to look for lung abnormalities and sputum cultures to detect live bacteria in your lungs. The blood test is particularly valuable because it provides accurate results within 24 hours, requires only one visit, and helps doctors decide who needs further evaluation for active TB.

Question 9

How is active tuberculosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Active tuberculosis requires treatment with a combination of antibiotics taken for six to nine months, typically including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. You must take all medications exactly as prescribed for the full treatment duration, even when you start feeling better, to completely eliminate the bacteria and prevent drug-resistant TB. Most people stop being contagious within two to three weeks of starting treatment, though you must complete the entire course. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular blood tests and sputum cultures to ensure the treatment is working.

Question 10

How can I prevent active tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with getting tested if you have been exposed to TB, so any latent infection can be treated before it becomes active. If you test positive for latent TB, taking preventive antibiotics for three to nine months reduces your risk of developing active disease by up to 90%. Avoid close contact with people who have active TB, ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces, maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition and managing chronic conditions, and seek immediate medical care if you develop TB symptoms.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support tuberculosis recovery?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure TB and you must take prescribed antibiotics, you can support your recovery by getting plenty of rest, eating a nutritious diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables to support your immune system, and staying well-hydrated. Cover your mouth when coughing, dispose of tissues properly, wear a mask around others during the first weeks of treatment, and ensure your living space has good ventilation and plenty of fresh air. Avoid alcohol and smoking, which can interfere with TB medications and slow healing. Stay isolated from others, especially children and people with weak immune systems, until your doctor confirms you are no longer contagious.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Active Tuberculosis Blood Test

What is Active Tuberculosis?

What causes active tuberculosis?

What is the best test for active tuberculosis?

When should I get tested for active tuberculosis?

References

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