Tuberculin Testing

What is TB:  “TB” is short for a disease called tuberculosis.  TB germs may spray into the air if a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, shouts, or sneezes.  Anyone nearby can breathe TB germs into their lungs.

The Tuberculin Test (Mantoux): Tuberculin is an extract of the tuberculosis germs that is injected into the skin.  If a person has been infected with tuberculosis, a lump forms at the injection site and persists for a few days or longer.  This is called a positive tuberculin test.  It generally means that TB germs have invaded the body.  It does not necessarily mean that active tuberculosis disease is present. TB germs can live in your body without making you sick.  This is called TB infection. In fact, the vast majority of subjects with a positive TB test have only latent infection and no disease. Your immune system traps the germs and prevents you from getting sick; however, sometimes the TB germs can break away and spread.  Then they cause TB disease.  The germs attack the lungs or other parts of the body such as kidneys, the brain, or spine.  If anyone has TB disease medical treatment is necessary. 

TB Treatment:  Since the advent of anti-tuberculosis drugs in the 1940’s, the treatment of tuberculosis has steadily improved.  No longer does treatment call for prolonged hospitalization.  In many cases, a patient with a fresh case of TB can be treated at home.  Others will enter the hospital to be placed on a medication program and to be isolated until the disease begins to come under control.  When the person is no longer infectious, he or she can leave the hospital and continue on medication at home.  Hospitalization in such cases may be a few weeks to several months.

          In most cases, a treatment program involves the administration of two or three drugs for a period of time ranging from six to nine months.  It is necessary to take multiple drugs because all of the TB germs cannot be eradicated by one drug. 

          Given the many effective medications available today, the chances are excellent that tuberculosis in an individual can be cured.  It is important, however, for the patient to understand the disease and to cooperate fully in the therapy program. 

The Respiratory Disease Society and TB testing:  TB testing via Mantoux method is available at our office located at 111 Lakemont Park Blvd every second Monday of every other month from 9 a.m. until noon, all persons under 18 must have a parent/guardian consent before testing.  The charge per test $10.00

 

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