Providing TB Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment at Family Urgent Care
A cough that lingers for weeks, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss can feel unsettling.
These may be signs of tuberculosis (TB), a serious but treatable infection caused by bacteria that mainly affects the lungs.
The earlier you get tested, the sooner you can get answers and start the right care.
At Family Urgent Care, we offer fast, reliable TB testing and guidance so you don’t have to wait or worry. Walk in today or book an appointment online to get peace of mind and protect your health.
The Ins and Outs Of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, although it can also involve other systems. It is a contagious disease that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or comes in close contact with healthy individuals.
Those people who have a weakened immune system or have contracted HIV or AIDS are more prone to contracting tuberculosis than individuals with a healthy immune system.
Active vs. Latent Tuberculosis (Explained With Symptoms)
Active tuberculosis means that the person has bacteria inside the body that are reproducing and spreading, causing symptoms. Since the germs are active, they can spread from person to person if they come in close contact.
On the other hand, latent TB infection is one in which the germs are asleep (dormant), which means that they do not reproduce nor do they cause any symptoms. However, the bacteria might get active at any stage of life, become contagious and cause multiple symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, chest pain, fever, and chills.
| Aspect | Active TB | Latent TB |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms |
|
No symptoms, person doesn’t feel sick |
| Spread | Can spread through coughing, sneezing, or even talking | Cannot spread from person to person |
| Test Results | Positive skin/blood test, chest X-ray may be abnormal | Positive skin/blood test, chest X-ray is normal |
| Treatment | Needs treatment to recover from the disease | Needs treatment to prevent germs from becoming active |
Types of TB Testing at Urgent Care
There are three common types of tuberculosis testing done in urgent care clinics.
Blood Test: In this test, the healthcare provider checks the levels of interferon-gamma produced in your body due to infection. A high level in test results indicates that you have an active or latent TB.
Tuberculin Skin Test: This test is done by injecting a fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin of the forearm. If there’s swelling of a lump on the injection site within 2 or 3 days, it means that you are positive for TB.
Chest X-rays: Your doctor might order a chest X-ray at the start of treatment or even during the treatment to evaluate the spread of infection in your lungs if you have an active TB infection.
How Can Family Urgent Care Help In TB Testing & Diagnosis?
If you are experiencing any symptoms like cough, chest pain, fever, weight loss, or any other unusual symptoms, you need to get yourself tested for tuberculosis. You can visit Family Urgent Care in Indiana or Illinois, as we operate in multiple locations.
At Family Urgent Care, we offer accurate and reliable TB testing, which includes the tuberculin skin test and blood tests for a proper diagnosis.
All you need to do is book your appointment or walk into our clinic and receive prompt TB testing, diagnosis and treatment plan. If you require specialized care, you may also be referred to a specialized clinic or facility that is equipped for further evaluation and treatment.
