FAQs

What is tuberculosis?: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease still present today. It is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs (pulmonary TB). Although the majority of TB cases are pulmonary, TB can occur in other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain. However, it is pulmonary TB that is contagious. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States.

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Tuberculosis (TB) Program

1. What is tuberculosis?: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease still present today. It is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs (pulmonary TB). Although the majority of TB cases are pulmonary, TB can occur in other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain. However, it is pulmonary TB that is contagious. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States.

2. Who is at risk?: TB is spread by through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are released into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

3. How do you get tested for TB?: The TB skin test (mantoux) may be used to find out if you have TB infection. A health care worker will inject a small amount of testing fluid called tuberculin or PPD just under the skin on the under side of the forearm. Within 48-72 hours, you must return to have your skin test read by the health care worker. There is also a blood test to test for TB infection. This is preferred in certain situations.

4. Where can I get tested?: You can get a skin test at the health department or at your doctor's office. The local hospital also offers testing. There is a fee charged for the skin test. The charge is for the cost of the test and administration fee. The health department charges for the cost of the test and an administration fee. A sliding fee scale is available upon request for the administration fee.

Persons with insurance that pays for the skin test should contact their doctor's office for it.

Call the Tuberculosis Program at 607-753-5028 for more information.

5. What if I have a reaction to the skin test?: You may have a firm lump (induration) where the tuberculin was injected. The health care worker will measure the area of induration and tell you if your reaction to the test is significant. A significant reaction usually means that you have been infected by someone with active TB disease. If this happens, other tests will be ordered to see if you have active TB disease. The first follow-up test is usually a chest x-ray. If the chest x-ray shows signs of possible TB, you may also have a test of the phlegm you cough up (sputum culture). If you have active TB disease, you will need to take medicine to treat the disease.