Tuberculosis, or TB, causes an infection in the lungs, but can also infect other parts of the body. TB spreads easily through airborne droplets, and repeated exposure to an infected person generally causes an infection. Two kinds of tests help detect a TB infection--a blood test and a skin test. Individuals considered at a high risk of acquiring the infection can benefit from a TB screening test.
Health Care Worker
According to the Cleveland Clinic, individuals who work in a group setting increase their risk of contracting TB. Group settings include correctional facilities, skilled nursing facilities and other health care facilities. The requirements for employment in a group setting typically include a TB skin test. The test ensures that the individual doesn't have an active TB infection or the reactivation of a prior TB infection.
Laboratory Worker
A worker in a mycobacteriology laboratory might consider a TB test if a needle stick occurs that contains TB infected blood or if the tuberculosis bacterium gets inhaled through a broken test tube.
Living Arrangements
Individuals currently living in a facility considered high risk for TB or have lived in one, need to test for TB, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Such facilities include a crowded shelter, prison, and long-term care facility.
Illegal Drug Use
TB occurs in alcoholics and intravenous drug users; therefore, the American Lung Association strongly recommends that people who are using or have used illegal drugs or iare addicted to alcohol get tested.
Weakened Immune System
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a TB test with the diagnoses of a condition that weakens the immune system. Conditions such as HIV or AIDS suppress the immune system, as well as malnutrition and the normal aging process.
Traveling
Traveling abroad often requires a TB test, especially when visiting high-risk countries that have a high incidence of TB.
TB Exposure
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend TB testing if contact with a person known or suspected to have an active TB infection occurs.
TB Symptoms
Experiencing symptoms suggestive of a TB infection requires a TB test, reports the American Lung Association. Symptoms occurring with a TB infection include pain in the chest area, a cough that produces bloody sputum and lasts longer than two weeks, fatigue or weakness, fever, chills, night sweats, and a loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss.
