Question 1

What is latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a condition where Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria remain dormant in the body without causing active disease or symptoms. The bacteria are transmitted through airborne droplets from people with active tuberculosis and can remain inactive for years or decades. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test is the most important test for diagnosing latent tuberculosis because it detects the immune system's response to TB bacteria even when no symptoms are present.

Question 2

What causes latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis infection is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that enter the body through inhalation of airborne droplets when an infected person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Once inhaled, the bacteria settle in the lungs where the immune system typically contains them by forming protective barriers, preventing them from multiplying and causing active disease. While the bacteria remain alive in the body, they stay dormant and do not cause symptoms or spread to others, but they can potentially reactivate later if the immune system weakens.

Question 3

What is the best test for latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test is the most important blood test for latent tuberculosis infection because it measures specific immune cell responses to TB antigens, accurately detecting whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are present in your body. This advanced interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is superior to traditional skin tests because it requires only one visit, eliminates false positives from BCG vaccination, and provides objective laboratory results within 24 hours. The test identifies both recent and remote TB infections, helping doctors determine who needs preventive treatment to stop dormant bacteria from becoming active tuberculosis disease.

Question 4

When should I get tested for latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active tuberculosis, recently immigrated from or traveled to countries with high TB rates, work or live in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities or homeless shelters, or have a weakened immune system due to HIV, diabetes, or immunosuppressive medications. Testing is especially important before starting medications that suppress the immune system, such as biologics for autoimmune conditions, since these can activate dormant TB bacteria and cause serious illness.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis infection produces no symptoms whatsoever because the bacteria are dormant and not actively multiplying in the body. People with LTBI feel completely healthy, have normal chest X-rays, and cannot spread the infection to others. This is why blood testing is essential for detection, as the only way to know you have latent TB is through laboratory screening that measures your immune system's response to the bacteria.

Question 6

Who is at risk for latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include healthcare workers who care for TB patients, individuals born in or who have traveled to countries with high TB prevalence such as Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, those living in crowded conditions like prisons or long-term care facilities, and anyone with close prolonged contact with someone who has active tuberculosis. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, organ transplants, cancer treatment, or chronic steroid use face greater risk both of acquiring LTBI and of it progressing to active disease.

Question 7

What happens if latent tuberculosis infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, latent tuberculosis can reactivate into active TB disease, which typically affects the lungs but can spread to the brain, kidneys, spine, and other organs. Active tuberculosis causes severe symptoms including persistent cough with bloody sputum, chest pain, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, and becomes highly contagious to others. Without treatment, active TB can be life-threatening and cause permanent organ damage, which is why identifying and treating LTBI with preventive therapy is crucial to stop progression before it occurs.

Question 8

Can latent tuberculosis infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test is specifically designed to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection by measuring how your immune cells react to TB proteins. This interferon-gamma release assay detects TB infection with high accuracy, requires only a single blood draw, and provides results without the need for follow-up visits. Blood tests for LTBI are more convenient and reliable than traditional tuberculin skin tests, especially for people who have received the BCG vaccine or have difficulty returning for skin test reading.

Question 9

How is latent tuberculosis infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Latent tuberculosis infection is treated with preventive antibiotic therapy to kill dormant bacteria before they can cause active disease. The most common regimens include three months of weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine, four months of daily rifampin, or nine months of daily isoniazid, with treatment selection based on individual patient factors and medication tolerance. Completing the full course of preventive treatment reduces the risk of developing active TB by up to 90%, making it highly effective at protecting both the individual and preventing future transmission to others.

Question 10

How can I prevent latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on avoiding exposure to people with active tuberculosis disease by ensuring proper ventilation in indoor spaces, wearing N95 respirator masks in high-risk healthcare settings, and promptly identifying and treating individuals with active TB to reduce transmission. If you live with or care for someone with active TB, follow infection control measures including ensuring they complete their full treatment course, keeping living spaces well-ventilated, and getting tested yourself. For healthcare workers and others at ongoing risk, regular screening with QuantiFERON testing helps detect infection early when preventive treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support treatment of latent tuberculosis infection?

Accepted Answer

While there are no home remedies that can eliminate TB bacteria, you can support your immune system during preventive treatment by maintaining a nutritious diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and avoiding alcohol which can interact with TB medications and increase liver toxicity risk. It is crucial to take your prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed without missing doses, as incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant bacteria. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, as tobacco use significantly increases the risk of latent TB progressing to active disease.

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.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection Blood Test

What is Latent tuberculosis infection?

What causes latent tuberculosis infection?

What is the best test for latent tuberculosis infection?

When should I get tested for latent tuberculosis infection?

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