Positive TB blood test

I had a TB blood test due to having lumps in my neck , night sweats , weight loss and extreme fatigue but no cough.

It came back positive , i now have to wait 6 weeks to be seen at the TB clinic to find out if its latent or active.

Has anyone else been in this situation and if so what was your diagnosis?

Thanks.

[JamisonTF]

Are in contact with your local health department?

[Hidden in reply to JamisonTF]

The doctors have referred me to a tb clinic to find out if I’m latent or positive but the appointment is not for another 6 weeks

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Hidden,

The TB clinic will be able to perform additional tests to confirm whether your symptoms are caused by active TB or if your symptoms may have another cause, unrelated to the TB bacteria in your body. I make this distinction because only active TB causes symptoms. Latent TB does not cause any symptoms as it is in a 'sleeping' state under the control of your immune system. The TB blood test only shows whether you have TB in your body, not whether it is active or latent.

If you have active TB, you will be started on antibiotic treatment and can expect your symtoms to subside within a couple of weeks. If it is thought your symptoms are unrelated to TB you will be referred for more testing to find out the real source.

I hope this is helpful - I know TB can be confusing and this must be a worrying time for you.

Best wishes,

Helen