Get Tb Risk Assessment

Sputum smear microscopy as a test for TB Smear microscopy of sputum is often the first test to be used in countries with a high rate of TB infection. Sputum is a thick fluid that is produced in the lungs and the airways leading to the lungs. A sample of sputum is usually collected by the person coughing.

Test (TST). This form is to be used for persons who are required to have TB screening for employment, post-secondary educational. institution admission, long term residential care admission, correctional facility intake, or fulfillment of other statute or regulation.

Persons who have been Recently Infected with TB Bacteria Persons who have immigrated from areas of the world with high rates of TB. Children less than 5 years of age who have a positive TB test. Groups with high rates of TB transmission, such as homeless persons, injection drug users, and persons with HIV infection.

A positive skin test will usually be followed by a chest X-ray. This can help determine the difference between active TB disease and latent TB infection. Your doctor will look for white spots that indicate areas where your immune system is responding to bacteria.

Positive skin test: This means the person's body was infected with TB bacteria. Additional tests are needed to determine if the person has latent TB infection or TB disease. Negative skin test: This means the person's body did not react to the test, and that latent TB infection or TB disease is not likely.

TB screening tests help to determine whether a person has become infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. A TB skin test measures the body's immune response to antigens derived from these bacteria. TB may cause an inactive (latent) infection or an active, progressive disease.

A skin test is the only way to tell if you have TB infection. The test is "positive" if a bump about the size of a pencil eraser or bigger appears on your arm. This bump means you probably have TB infection. Other tests can show if you have TB disease.

The primary screening method for TB infection (active or latent) is the Mantoux tuberculin skin test with purified protein derivative (PPD). An in vitro blood test based on -gamma release assay (IGRA) with antigens specific for M tuberculosis can also be used to screen for latent TB infection.

The Mantoux tuberculin skin test is a test to check if a person has been infected with TB bacteria. How does the TST work? Using a small needle, a health care provider injects a liquid (called tuberculin) into the skin of the lower part of the arm. When injected, a small, pale bump will appear.