A rapid sputum tests is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) when other tests show that a person probably has TB. Rapid sputum tests are also called nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). One of the best ways to diagnose TB is through a sputum culture. A sputum culture is a test to find germs (such as TB bacteria) that...

A tuberculin skin test (also called a Mantoux tuberculin test) is done to see if you have ever been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). The test is done by putting a small amount of TB protein ( antigens) under the top layer of skin on your inner forearm. If you have ever been exposed to the TB bacteria ( Mycobacterium...

Blood and urine are often tested to find the cause of health problems. But other body fluids also can be tested. Most of these fluids help organs and joints—and the membranes around them—move smoothly. Sometimes a health problem can cause too much fluid to build up in part of the body. The fluid can be tested to look...

The Bethesda System (TBS) for Pap tests is a classification system developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This system provides detailed information about the quality of the cell sample and the types of cell changes found. Doctors who take the cell sample and laboratory specialists (cytologists) who examine...

Covers screening tests, diagnostic tests, and medical exams used to find a disease or determine risk for certain health problems. Covers well-child visits. Includes links to info on routine tests for men, for women, and at various stages of life.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). http://www.cdc.gov During a Mantoux (PPD) tuberculin skin test, TB antigens are injected under the top layer of skin. A positive reaction, usually a firm red bump where the needle went into your skin, means you were exposed to TB bacteria. This test does not...

Two to three days after getting a tuberculin skin test, the size of any bump at the site is measured. Your risk of having TB is used along with the size of the bump to determine whether the test is: Positive, meaning you have been infected with TB bacteria. Negative, meaning you have not been infected with TB bacteria...

A lymph node biopsy removes lymph node tissue to be looked at under a microscope for signs of infection or a disease, such as cancer. Other tests may also be used to check the lymph tissue sample, including a culture, genetic tests, or tests to study the body's immune system (immunological tests). Lymph nodes are part...

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test measures the amount and pattern of antibodies in your blood that work against your own body (autoimmune reaction). The body's immune system normally attacks and destroys foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. But in disorders known as autoimmune diseases, the immune system...

Cervical cell changes are classified according to their degree of abnormality using the Bethesda system (TBS). Further evaluation decisions are guided by the kinds of changes seen in the cells. Minor cell changes Minor cell changes may go away without treatment. But sometimes they turn into more serious cell changes...

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends TB testing for people at increased risk for TB infection. These may include those who: Live with or spend time with someone who has TB. Were born in or lived in countries where TB is common. Live or have lived in crowded conditions where TB can easily spread...

Sputum is a thick fluid made in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs. A sputum culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. If no germs grow, the culture is negative. If germs that...

What is tuberculosis (TB)? Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by a type of bacteria that is spread through the air. TB is easily spread from person to person through coughs or sneezes. TB usually occurs in the lungs. But it can spread to other parts of the body. TB is either active or latent. Active TB means...

A latent (inactive) tuberculosis (TB) infection is the presence of TB bacteria in a person's lungs even though they do not have symptoms of TB (such as coughing, weight loss, fatigue, or fever). A person with latent tuberculosis infection has no signs of active TB on a chest X-ray, and no TB-causing bacteria can be...

A BCG vaccine is given to prevent tuberculosis (TB) infection. The vaccine contains bacteria called BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) that is closely related to the bacteria that cause TB. The BCG vaccine is often given to people in countries where TB is common, such as South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and...

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by bacteria. It usually affects the lungs. Symptoms may include fever, extreme fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and a cough that brings up thick, bloody mucus. TB can be deadly if it isn't treated.

Offers links to information on health screenings and on reducing risk factors for injury and disease.

What are immunizations? Immunizations help keep you and your child from getting certain diseases that can be spread to other people (infectious diseases). They also help reduce the spread of disease to others and prevent epidemics. Immunizations are also called vaccines or vaccinations. If you get a vaccine, it may not...

A complete blood count (CBC) gives important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC helps your doctor check any symptoms that you may have, such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising. A CBC also helps him or her diagnose conditions...

Guides through decision to have your child get the HPV vaccine. Explains the vaccination process and includes tips on how to talk to your child about HPV. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

What is meningitis? Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It's usually caused by an infection. The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system. There...

Briefly discusses common problems from tattoos, including infection, skin reactions, and scarring. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Learn about COVID-19 and how to help protect yourself if you're at high risk for getting very sick from the virus.

Sputum cytology examines a sample of sputum (mucus) under a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present. Sputum is not the same as saliva. Sputum is produced in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum has some normal lung cells in it. Sputum cytology may be done to help detect certain...

What are night sweats? Night sweats are heavy sweating during sleep. This kind of sweating is different than the occasional sweating people have from sleeping deeply, being in a warm room, or having too many blankets. Night sweats are often so heavy that your clothing and sheets are soaked to the point that you have to...