TB Testing Without the Need for an Appointment

Have you been told that you need to undergo tuberculosis (TB) testing? Maybe your new employer requires a test, or you’ve been exposed to someone with TB disease. Whatever the case may be, you can turn to Erlanger ExpressCare for your TB test.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that spreads through airborne droplets. When someone develops a TB infection but the bacteria are inactive and don’t cause symptoms, it’s referred to as latent TB, inactive TB, or TB infection.

Weeks or even years after becoming infected, someone can develop active TB or TB disease, which is contagious and often causes the following symptoms:

  • Coughing for at least three weeks (sometimes accompanied by blood or mucus)
  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unintentional weight loss

Notably, tuberculosis can also affect other parts of the body—including the brain, spine, and kidneys—and cause symptoms in those affected areas.

What Does TB Testing Involve?

TB testing is most commonly performed using a skin test, although blood testing is also an option. The skin test requires two visits:

  • At the first visit, a provider will inject a substance known as tuberculin on the inside of your forearm.
  • At the second visit, which will take place 48 to 72 hours later, the provider will check your arm for swelling—a hard, raised red bump suggests the presence of a TB infection.

The TB Testing Clinic to Choose

At Erlanger ExpressCare, we don’t require TB testing appointments. Instead, you can stop in whenever it’s most convenient for you—many of our locations are open seven days per week with extended hours, and we also offer an online check-in option that can save you time in line. So, if you’re in need of TB testing, visit us today.