How Is TB Testing Conducted?
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing is primarily conducted using two methods: the skin test (Mantoux tuberculin skin test) and blood tests (interferon-gamma release assays or IGRAs). In the skin test, a small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin in the forearm, and the injection site is examined after 48-72 hours for signs of a reaction, which indicates TB exposure. Blood tests, on the other hand, measure the immune system's response to TB bacteria in the blood and provide results more quickly without the need for a second visit.
TB testing is recommended for individuals who have been exposed to TB, have symptoms of the disease, or are at increased risk due to compromised immune systems or living in high-risk settings. Both testing methods are effective, but blood tests are often used in cases where more precise results are necessary, such as for people who have previously received the BCG vaccine, which can interfere with skin test results.
