What do the results mean?If your TB skin test or blood test shows a possible TB infection, your health care provider will probably order more tests to help make a diagnosis. You may also need further testing if your results were negative, but you have symptoms of TB and/or have certain risk factors for TB. Tests that diagnose TB include chest x-rays and tests on a sputum sample. Sputum is a thick mucous coughed up from the lungs. It is different than spit or saliva.If not treated, TB can be deadly. But most cases of TB can be cured if you take antibiotics as directed by your health care provider. Both active and latent TB should be treated, because latent TB can turn into active TB and become dangerous.If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
