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Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
At TravelVAX, we offer tuberculosis skin testing (also known as a Mantoux test) as part of our range of services to help protect our clients from this infectious disease.
The TB skin test is a simple and painless procedure that involves injecting a small amount of a substance called purified protein derivative (PPD) into the top layer of the skin on your forearm. This test is designed to detect whether your body has been exposed to the TB bacterium and to determine if you have an immune response that indicates a potential TB infection. It is used to help identify individuals who may need further evaluation or treatment.
TB skin testing is recommended for individuals at increased risk of exposure to the TB bacterium, such as those working in healthcare settings or traveling to countries with high rates of TB. It is also advised for those who have been in close contact with someone who has active TB.
The results of the TB skin test are read between 48 and 72 hours after the injection. The test assesses the size of the raised, red bump (or induration) that appears at the injection site. A small or absent bump typically indicates no exposure to the TB bacterium.
Conversely, a large bump may suggest a past or present infection. However, a positive result does not necessarily mean you have active TB disease; additional testing, such as a chest X-ray or sputum test, is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
If you receive a positive TB skin test result, it’s crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to determine whether you have active TB disease. Treatment options are available for both latent TB infection (where the bacteria are present in the body but not causing symptoms) and active TB disease.
If you need to have a TB form signed apart from the Travelvax TB results form we provide, please bring it along to your TB reading appointment. Our Travelvax nurse will be happy to sign it during your appointment. If you need a TB form signed at any other time, a service charge will apply.