Tuberculosis is an infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, and it primarily affects the lungs and respiratory system. If the infection goes untreated, it can spread throughout the body and also affect the digestive and central nervous systems. There are thousands of new cases each year in the United States, and early detection through skin testing is the key to successful medical outcomes.

If you have any questions about TB skin testing services, our team at First Choice is here to help. We offer every conceivable medical testing procedure that you need at our south Little Rock testing center, and we keep a Medical Review Officer (MRO) on staff to verify all testing results. We offer TB skin tests without an appointment every weekday except Thursday, and we’ll have in you and out in no time. Here are a few common questions that we hear about tuberculosis.

What are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis? The most common symptoms include a persistent cough, chills, night sweats, and rapid weight loss, but if you’re infected you might not actually become sick or show any symptoms. You can still infect others if you have a latent TB infection (LTBI).

Will I need a TB Skin Test? Many individuals are required to take a TB skin test as a condition of employment, including healthcare workers, people who work at prisons, and people who work with young children or the elderly. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, traveling overseas, or have recently been exposed to someone with tuberculosis, getting a TB skin test is also a quick and easy way to make sure that you’re not infected.

What are the Testing Procedures? We offer TB skin tests every weekday except Thursday, and you’ll need to visit us twice. On your first day, we’ll inject a small amount of testing solution just under the skin. You’ll then need to return within 48-72 hours to have the test “read.” We’ll also provide you with proof of a clean test so that you can get to work for your new employer right away!

If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact us online or at 501-661-9992.