Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease. That mainly affects the lungs. It lingers in the air when someone coughs or sneezes after becoming infected. Active TB has symptoms and can spread to others, but latent TB is a symptomless, hidden form of the disease. A person infected with latent TB does not feel sick, and may not know he is infected for years. This brings up a frequently asked question: Can a TB test show latent tuberculosis?
What Is Latent Tuberculosis?
People with latent TB have TB bacteria in their bodies. However, not being active, they do not make infected people sick. This means a person carries the bacteria in the body. But it is not causing symptoms, nor is it contagious. Yet latent TB can reactivate at any time, especially if the immune system is compromised. It is important to find and treat TB infection to prevent the spread and development of TB disease.
Types of TB Tests
There are two primary kinds of tests used to find TB infections:
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
This, called the Mantoux test, requires injecting a tiny amount of TB protein under the skin of the forearm. A healthcare provider looks for swelling 48–72 hours later. The size of the bump can indicate whether a person might have been infected by TB bacteria.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) Two commercially available IGRAs are QFT, carried out on whole blood, and whose test principle is antigens.
These are blood tests that detect the immune system’s response to TB bacteria. IGRAs are frequently chosen over the skin test, particularly among those who have been vaccinated with BCG, because they generate more reliable results.
Do These Tests Detect Latent TB?
Yes, the TB skin test and IGRA are both tests for latent TB. But, and this is important to note:
- These tests do not tell an active from a latent TB infection.
- They provide information only about whether someone has ever been infected with the TB bacteria.
If the initial test is positive, additional tests, such as a chest X-ray or sputum test, are required to exclude active TB disease.
Why It Matters
Knowing latent TB allows health professionals to provide preventive therapy. This is particularly important for people who are at greater risk of getting active TB, including:
- Those with compromised immune systems
- Close contacts to known active cases of TB
- People who live or work in high-risk settings, such as shelters or prisons
TB Testing and Public Health
Detection of latent TB is critical for a global health campaign to eradicate TB. Those with a diagnosis of latent TB can be treated with antibiotics to cure future progression. This will also protect the individual and suppress community spread.
If you don’t know whether you have TB or if you have spent time with someone with TB, you should get tested. Early detection and treatment can halt the disease before it breaks up.
Where to Get Tested
There are several clinics and centers offering trustworthy testing alternatives. For instance, at Tb Testing Las Vegas, both types of tests are available to those who are worried about being exposed. It is always a bit of good advice to consult a reputable tuberculosis clinic for both diagnosis and follow-up.
Final Thoughts
TB tests can certainly identify latent tuberculosis. They don’t say whether TB is active or not, but they are a key instrument in detecting an infection early. Whether you’re at high risk or simply would like peace of mind, TB testing is a proactive path to good health. Do not wait for symptoms — get tested ahead of the disease. To schedule your appointment with the highest standard of care and visit Sahara West Urgent Care, visit our website.
FAQs
1. What is latent tuberculosis (TB)?
Latent TB is a form of tuberculosis where the bacteria are present in the body but inactive. It causes no symptoms and is not contagious, but it can become active if not treated.
2. Can a TB test detect latent tuberculosis?
Yes, both the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) can detect latent TB infection, but they cannot differentiate between latent and active TB.
3. What are the types of TB tests available?
The main types are the tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) such as the Quantiferon-TB Gold test.
4. How accurate are TB tests for detecting latent TB?
IGRA is more accurate for those vaccinated with BCG. Both tests are effective in identifying TB exposure but require further testing to confirm active disease.
5. What happens if I test positive for TB?
If you test positive, additional tests like a chest X-ray or sputum test are needed to determine if the TB is active or latent. Treatment is recommended to prevent future progression.
