Tuberculosis Skin Test

Tuberculosis Skin Test at West Point Medical Center

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. One common way to screen for TB is through a skin test, also known as the Mantoux test or the tuberculosis skin test (TST). When it comes to your health, it’s best to take the safe, responsible route. That’s why you should get tested at  West Point Medical Center.

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What is a Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is a highly contagious disease and can spread from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air.

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The symptoms of TB disease can vary depending on the site of infection, but common symptoms suggestive of TB disease include:

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1. Persistent cough: One of the most typical signs of TB is a prolonged cough that lasts longer than three weeks, with or without the formation of sputum (phlegm).

2. Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest.

3. Fatigue and weakness: Generalized fatigue, weakness, and malaise may be present in TB disease.

4. Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss along with loss of appetite.

5. Fever and chills: Low-grade fever, often accompanied by chills or night sweats.

6. Breathlessness: Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath.

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To know more about Tuberculosis, you should book an appointment with us at West Point Medical Center.

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What is a Tuberculosis Skin Test?

To find out whether someone has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, a simple procedure known as a TB skin test is used. It entails injecting a tiny quantity of tuberculin, a material made from the TB bacterium, just beneath the forearm's skin. 

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How Does the TB Skin Test Work?

The TB skin test works by measuring the body's immune response to the injected tuberculin. If a person has been exposed to the TB bacteria before, their immune system may have developed a reaction to the bacteria. The skin test will reveal this immune response as a red bump or swelling at the injection site.

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Interpreting TB Skin Test Results

The size of the reaction at the injection site is an important factor in interpreting TB skin test results. A larger reaction generally indicates a higher likelihood of TB infectionIt's important to remember that a positive tuberculosis skin test does not necessarily mean a person has active TB disease. Further testing is needed to confirm the presence of active TB disease.

Who Needs a Tuberculosis Skin Test?

TB skin testing is often advised for people who are more likely to contract TB, such as:

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1. Individuals who were close to someone who had active TB sickness

2.TB patients who may expose to medical personnel

3. People whose immune systems are compromised, 

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A popular technique for checking for tuberculosis infection is the TB skin test. It is a quick and reasonably priced test that can assist in locating people who may have come into contact with the TB bacteria. Visit West Point Medical Center if you believe you may be at risk for TB to learn whether a TB skin test or other suitable screening procedures are required. Early detection and treatment of TB can help prevent the spread of the disease and improve outcomes. 

At West Point, we offer tuberculosis skin tests to help diagnose and prevent TB. Our skilled medical professionals provide safe and effective testing.

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