Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
For a TB skin test, make an appointment at the Portage County Health District 330-296-9919 ext 119. A TB test is done using a small needle to put some fluid, called tuberculin, just under your skin. This is usually done on the lower inside part of your arm. After you get the test, you must return in 2 to 3 days to see if there is a reaction to the test. If there is a reaction, the size of the reaction is measured to determine if you have a positive result.
PCHD nurses will be glad to provide TB testing within Portage County, please call to schedule your appointment 330-296-9919 ext 119.
Questions and Answers
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that usually affects the lungs. TB sometimes affects other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. TB disease can cause death if it is not treated.
How is TB spread?
TB germs are spread from person to person through the air. TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, laughs, or sings. People nearby may breathe in the TB germs and become infected. TB is NOT spread by sharing silverware or cups, or sharing saliva when kissing someone.
What is the difference between latent TB infection and TB disease?
Latent TB infection - Not everyone infected with TB germs gets sick. People who are infected, but are not sick, have what is called latent TB infection. People with latent TB infection have TB germs in their body, but they are not sick because the germs lie dormant (sleeping) in their body.
People with latent TB infection do not have symptoms and cannot spread the germs to others. However, these people may develop TB disease in the future. To prevent developing TB disease, people with latent TB infection can take medicine.
TB disease - People with TB disease are sick from the large number of TB germs that are active in their body. They usually have one or more of the symptoms of TB disease. People with TB disease often feel weak or sick, lose weight, have fever, and have night sweats. If TB disease is in their lungs, they may also cough and have chest pain, and they might cough up blood. Other symptoms depend on what part of the body is affected by the TB germs.
People with TB disease may spread TB germs to others. TB disease needs to be treated with medicine. If NOT treated, a person with TB disease can have serious health problems and die.