If you need a tuberculosis (TB) test because you’re at risk of contracting this disease or you require a TB test for your job or school, see the skilled providers at Greenhaven Family Practice in Sacramento, California. Osteopathic medicine physician Scarlett Lu, DO, offers TB tests for men and women to screen for tuberculosis. Call the office to schedule an appointment today.
A TB test is a common diagnostic test that screens for tuberculosis, an infectious disease that affects the lungs. It’s caused by bacteria spread from person to person via air droplets and sneezing, coughing, talking, or simply being in close contact with an infected person.
You may not have symptoms initially after a tuberculosis infection, but the active phase of the disease can lead to:
You might also have problems with your spine, brain, or kidneys because of untreated tuberculosis. See your Greenhaven Family Practice specialist if you’ve been exposed to someone with tuberculosis or at the first sign of a problem.
During TB testing, Dr. Lu reviews your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle habits, and more. She checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and may recommend a TB skin test, blood tests, imaging procedures, or sputum tests.
TB skin tests take two separate office visits. During the first appointment, Dr. Lu injects a tiny amount of fluid into the skin in the lower part of your arm. Within 48-72 hours, you must return to the Greenhaven Family Practice office so she can look for a possible skin reaction.
Dr. Lu fills out the paperwork you may need as a requirement for work or school and gives you a copy for your records.
If you have tuberculosis, treatment helps reduce symptoms, complications, and the risk of spreading the disease. You might need to take antibiotics for 6-9 months or longer in some cases.
It’s important to take all medications exactly as directed by Dr. Lu and follow up with her if you have questions about your treatment or develop medication side effects. Examples include nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowed skin, blurred vision, or easy bruising and bleeding.
Call the office to schedule a TB test at Greenhaven Family Practice today.