What is fast tb test and Why Do We Use Them?

29 Jul.,2024

 

Rapid Sputum Tests for Tuberculosis (TB) - MyHealth Alberta

Test Overview

A rapid sputum tests is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) when other tests show that a person probably has TB. Rapid sputum tests are also called nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).

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One of the best ways to diagnose TB is through a sputum culture. A sputum culture is a test to find germs (such as TB bacteria) that can cause an infection. A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of bacteria. If no bacteria grow, the culture is negative. If bacteria grow, the culture is positive. If TB bacteria grow, then the person has tuberculosis. The test also can show if a lung infection is caused by some other kind of bacteria. A normal sputum culture can take 1 to 8 weeks to provide results.

A rapid sputum test can tell if a person has TB within 24 hours. A test may be done when:footnote 1

  • A person is thought to have TB, but confirmation is needed before sputum culture results will be ready.
  • A person may be infected with bacteria other than TB bacteria.
  • A person who may have TB has been close to other people who will need treatment if they have been exposed.

TB (Tuberculosis) Test: Purpose, Procedure & Results

What is a TB (tuberculosis) test?

A TB test checks to see if you have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). There are two types of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screen tests: a skin test and a blood test.

A TB skin test is also called a Mantoux test or tuberculin skin test (TST). A TB blood test is also called an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), but you might sometimes hear &#;QuantiFERON&#; (the most commonly used commercial test). TB skin tests are more common and are the preferred type for children under age 5. But blood tests for TB are becoming more common, especially for healthcare workers and those who have compromised immune systems.

TB skin and blood tests can show if you&#;ve ever been infected with M. tuberculosis complex, but they can&#;t distinguish between a latent (dormant) or active TB infection. You&#;ll need additional tests (like a sputum test) to see if you have an active infection.

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What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects your lungs, but it can also affect virtually every organ including your brain, spine and kidneys. TB spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. It&#;s also sometimes spread through transplant with a donated organ.

For more fast tb testinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Not everyone infected with TB gets sick with symptoms. Approximately 25% of the world's population has latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). When you have latent TB, you don't feel sick and can't spread the infection to others.

While many people with latent TB will never feel any symptoms of the condition, others, especially those who have or develop weakened immune systems, can experience the active form of this dangerous infection, called active TB.

Because of this, LTBI screening through tests is a common and essential tool for public health.

Who should be screened for TB?

You may need a TB test if you have symptoms of an active TB infection or if you&#;re at higher risk for getting TB. In addition, some childcare centers, hospitals and other facilities require you to be tested for TB in order to work there.

Symptoms of an active TB infection include:

You may be at higher risk for getting TB if you:

  • Are a healthcare worker who interacts with and cares for people.
  • Live or work in a place with a high rate of TB infection, including homeless shelters, nursing homes and prisons.
  • Have been exposed to someone who has an active TB infection.
  • Have a medical condition or take medication that weakens your immune system.
  • Use intravenous drugs.
  • Have traveled or lived in an area where TB is endemic, including countries/regions other than USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Northern and Western Europe.

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Who performs a TB test?

Any healthcare provider who is specially trained in performing and assessing the results of a TB skin test can perform the test.

A healthcare provider called a phlebotomist usually performs blood draws, including those for a TB blood test, but any healthcare provider who is trained in drawing blood can perform this task. They then send the sample to a lab where a medical technologist prepares the samples and performs the test.

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