Why Do You Need a TB Test?
When you plan to work in certain occupations or for particular employers, you may need a TB test to determine if you have tuberculosis because it is a contagious condition. This type of testing procedure is offered at our urgent care center, and it requires two visits. If you work for a medical facility or care for children, then you may need a TB test. If an employer has provided specialized paperwork, then bring it along to your appointment, and also, make sure to bring along your health insurance information because this test is often covered by your insurance plan.
Tuberculosis Is a Contagious Disease
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs, and if you work closely with individuals in settings such as preschools or nursing homes, then you can expose someone else to this health condition. In addition, you are also exposed to the pathogens that cause tuberculosis, so your employer may request a new TB test once a year to determine if you are healthy.
How Do You Contract Tuberculosis and What Are Its Symptoms?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from the droplets that are produced by sneezing and coughing. In the past, this was a common ailment in the United States that led to death, but today, it rarely occurs. It can take many years for an infected individual to develop symptoms from tuberculosis, so early testing is vital when you have a condition that affects your immunity levels or if you are exposed to someone who has this health problem. The symptoms that can occur with tuberculosis include losing weight, fatigue, and fever. Eventually, you will develop a cough that often produces bloody mucus.
How Is the Test Performed?
A TB test is a simple skin test that involves sanitizing a small area of your skin on the inner forearm. The physician will inject a tuberculosis antigen into your skin. Avoid touching the location of the injection, and also, don’t cover it with a bandage. You must return to the urgent care center within two to three days so that the physician can look at the injection site. If you have developed a red hard bump, then you may have tuberculosis. However, if this test is positive, then you will require other blood tests and X-rays. Today, there are antibiotics to cure tuberculosis.
Come into WellCare
If you need to get a TB test then come into WellCare Urgent Care Center in Grand Rapids. You can book a same-day appointment at our Cascade and Leonard locations online.
