TB Testing at Parkhealth Health Medical Centres in Cape Town

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a potentially serious bacterial infection which targets the lungs and other surrounding tissues. It is spread through the air when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes spreading particles to the next person who inhales it.

Types of Tuberculosis

There are two types of TB:

• Latent TB – This is when you have TB in your system, but your immune system has it under control. You are neither symptomatic nor contagious. However, the infection is still alive in your system and can become active at a later stage, especially when your immune system is seriously compromised
• Active TB – The TB causing bacteria is active in your system. They multiply and spread causing you to become sick as well as contagious. This means you will experience symptoms of TB and you are at risk of spreading the infection to others

Testing for TB

TB Skin Test

This is the most common way for doctors and other healthcare professionals to test for and diagnose TB. The TB skin test is also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test and is done by injecting a very small amount of fluid just below the skin on your forearm. This fluid is called tuberculin. After 2 to 3 days, you will need to return to the doctor’s rooms so that we can assess your reaction to the tuberculin. A hard, raised bump at the injection site is an indication of a positive test result. Additional tests may be required to establish whether you have active or inactive TB. These tests may include blood tests, sputum tests, and x-rays of the lungs.

Testing for TB in Cape Town

Our doctors offer TB testing in Cape Town. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.

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