Tuberculosis Testing Locations, Los Angeles, CA

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TB PPD Skin Testing in Los Angeles, CA

Lab Testing USA offers a TB PPD skin test at locations near you in the Los Angeles, CA area.  This test may be also called a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) which requires 2 visits to a healthcare provider to obtain results.  On your first initial visit, the test is started by injecting a small amount of fluid called tuberculin into the skin on the lower part of your arm.  Once this injection is received, you must return to the healthcare provider within 48 to 72 hours to have a trained healthcare worker determine if there is a reaction on the injection site.  

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is also known as white death, which is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria.  TB generally will attack your lungs but it can also affect other parts of the body.  Oftentimes the infections show no symptoms which is typically called latent tuberculosis, but typical symptoms are; chronic cough with mucus containing blood, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

How do I know if I have a Positive or Negative TB PPD Skin Test?

1. Positive Test:  This result means that the person's body was infected with TB bacteria and additional tests are needed to determine if the person has a latent TB Infection of TB disease.
2. Negative Test: This result means that the person's body did not react to the test and the latent TB infection of TB disease is not likely. 

There should be no problem repeating the TB skin test if necessary but if repeated, the additional test should be placed in a different location of the arm and the TB skin test is the preferred TB test for children under the age of five.

TB Blood Testing in Los Angeles, CA

 Tuberculosis testing is also available in a blood test, these tests are called interferon-gamma release        assays or IGRAs. As of today, 2 TB blood tests are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration      (FDA) and are available through Lab Testing USA.  The QuantiFERON-TB® Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) and    the T-Spot®.TB test (T-Spot).

  This test will require a health care provider to draw the patient's blood and have it sent to the laboratory    for analysis and result reporting

Positive TB blood test: These results mean that the person has been infected with TB bacteria and additional tests are needed to determine if the person has latent TB infection or TB disease.

Negative TB blood test: This means that the person's blood did not react to the test and that latent TB infection or TB disease is not likely.

TB blood tests are best used for people who have received the TB vaccine or for people who have a difficult time returning for a second appointment to have the TB skin test reading for reaction to the test.

What Jobs or Professions Require TB Screenings?

In the State of California, Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations governs TB testing guidelines.

1. Adult Day Health Center (ADHC): Each employee record should contain at least a chest x-ray test for tuberculosis infection as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and licensed by the FDA.  This test cannot be performed more than 12 months before employment or within 7 days of employment.
2. Acute Psychiatric Hospital (APH): Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray.
3. Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital (CDRH): Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray.
4. Correctional Treatment Centers (CTC): The initial health exam must include a test for TB that is recommended by the CDC and FDA.  if the results are positive, a chest x-ray must be obtained.  Also, employees must submit an annual TB test
5. General Acute Hospital (GACH): Initial health examination by the authorized provider and must be performed 1 week after employment.  Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray.
6. Home Health Agency (HHA):  Initial screenings for all new employees who have direct patient contact and must be a TB test recommended by CDC and FDA
7. Intermediate Care Facility (ICF): Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray.
8. Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD): Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray.
9. Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled-Habilitative (ICF/DD-H):  Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray.
10. Psychology Clinic:  Health examination performed by a licensed professional within 6 months before employment or 1 week after employment. Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray.
11. Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): Requires initial health assessment and annual examination for TB infection. Upon initial examination and at least annually, employees must have a test for TB as recommended by the CDC and FDA or a  chest x-ray. If a TB test is positive it must be followed by a chest X-ray. 

Tuberculosis Rates in Los Angeles, CA

Studies show that there has been a 12% increase in the number of TB cases from 2021 through 2022, leveling off at 524 cases in 2022. Los Angeles County Public Health also reports that there were 2045 TB evaluations initiated in 2022 which was an increase of 26% vs 2021 data and 18% of those cases were due to recent tranmission, while there were 685, 201 estimated persons with latent TB in 2021. Stay informed on preventative measures such as TB vaccines in children, wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, and washing your hands just to name a few,