A PPD test is a nearly painless method of checking for tuberculosis (otherwise known as TB). There are a variety of reasons why you may need this test performed. Let’s take a closer look!
PPD Test: The Details
The PPD test is a skin test that involves a small shot that contains PPD. This will be injected underneath the top layer of your skin. After 48-72 hours, you will return to your doctor to have a medical professional check the area where you received your shot.
If you have a reaction and a positive PPD test, you may have tuberculosis. Also, TB can be found with a blood test. Therefore, here are three instances when you may need a tuberculosis test.
1. You Are Showing Symptoms of Tuberculosis
If you are displaying symptoms of tuberculosis, you may want to get tested to see if you have a positive PPD test. Symptoms of tuberculosis include:
- Weight loss
- Chills
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Weakness
- Coughing up mucus or blood
- Chest pain
- Severe, prolonged coughing
Tuberculosis, if left untreated, can lead to serious consequences, including death. While this illness has been present since the early 19th century, it still can prove to be deadly.
Moreover, TB is considered one of the top ten causes of death. In 2018, 1.5 million people, unfortunately, died from tuberculosis. However, tuberculosis can be cured with antibiotics but takes longer to clear up when compared to other bacterial infections.
Therefore, it will take a few weeks of antibiotics until you are no longer contagious. So, be careful to quarantine accordingly if you test positive for TB.
2. You Have Been Exposed to TB
Some people are more susceptible to TB than others. If you have HIV infection, have been infected with TB bacteria in the past 2 years, have a weak immune system, use illegal drug injections, or were not treated correctly for TB in the past, you are at high risk of developing tuberculosis.
Additionally, infants and young children are very vulnerable to TB. So, if your child or infant has been exposed to someone with TB, get them tested immediately.
3. Tuberculosis Test for Work
There are a variety of jobs that will require that you get a PPD test before starting. Healthcare workers who work with patients who are at an increased risk for TB will need to be tested. Overall, the same goes for those working in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, nursing homes, nurseries, long-term care facilities, and mental health centers.
Ultimately, the reasoning for PPD testing before working is to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (if you have a positive PPD test) to those who are young, elderly, or sensitive to TB.
Quick, Reliable PPD Testing
If you are looking for a location to receive a PPD test, look no further. Soteria Screening Laboratories has over 10,000 facilities in the United States that offer PPD testing for tuberculosis. Our labs work 24/7 on getting results back to you quickly.
If you are concerned about more than tuberculosis, we also have wellness testing. Our wellness tests will inform you if you have heart disease, thyroid disease, STDs, prostate cancer, diabetes, or any hormonal disorders. We also offer a comprehensive wellness profile that offers a complete blood count, thyroid-stimulating hormone, lipid panel, liver profile, kidney panel, as well as iron, fluid, electrolytes, glucose, and mineral tests. Testing with Soteria Screening Laboratories will get you speedy results that you can trust.