Tuberculosis (TB) Testing in Laredo, TX

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious bacterial lung infection that had become relatively uncommon in the United States until the advent of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the mid-1980s. Around that time, the incidence of TB began trending upward, which may be due in part to the fact that HIV weakens the immune system and inhibits its ability to fight off infections.

Much like influenza, strep and COVID-19, TB is spread through respiratory secretions. Whenever an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks, tiny bacteria-containing droplets are released into the air and then can be inhaled by others nearby. In keeping with our commitment to protecting the health of our community, VitalMed Urgent Care is pleased to offer tuberculosis testing at each of our conveniently located walk-in clinics in Laredo, Texas.

Who Should Be Tested for Tuberculosis?

In general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests tuberculosis testing for individuals who are at increased risk of infection, such as those who:

• Have close contact with an infected person
• Have tuberculosis symptoms, such as fever, chills, night sweats, persistent coughing, loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
• Have a weakened immune system or HIV infection
• Spend time in a high-incidence region, such as Latin America, Africa or Asia

Tuberculin Skin Testing

At VitalMed Urgent Care, we use the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) to diagnose TB. The TST involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) fluid directly into the skin on the patient’s forearm. Usually, a small, pale skin lump will form immediately. We then ask the patient to return to our urgent care center in a few days so we can check him or her for a skin reaction, such as swelling or a hard, raised area at the injection site.

A positive TST result indicates a tuberculosis infection. However, further testing will then be needed to determine whether the infection is latent or active. A latent TB infection is not contagious and does not cause symptoms, but if left untreated, it can progress into an active TB infection.

Tuberculosis testing is quick and easy when you turn to the expert medical staff at VitalMed Urgent Care, where you never need an appointment. Stop by one of our walk-in clinics for a lab test today!