Can you test for tuberculosis at home?

Screening looks for evidence of infection with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Depending on your history and local services, this may involve a blood test or a skin test, followed by assessment if the result is positive. Screening does not by itself show whether disease is active in the lungs. Symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, chest pain, or coughing blood need medical assessment.

Use an approved clinic, laboratory, or public-health service rather than relying on an unverified home product. Tell the clinician about close contact with someone who has TB, previous testing, travel or residence in an area where TB is common, immune-suppressing medicines, and any symptoms. Keep appointments for result review. Further assessment may include a chest X-ray and a sample from the airways when active disease is suspected.

Arrange prompt medical advice for a persistent cough, unexplained fever, night sweats, weight loss, or known TB exposure. Seek urgent care if you cough blood, have severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or feel faint. Until assessed, follow public-health instructions about close contact if a clinician says TB may be infectious.

Which TB test is suitable for me? When and how will the result be interpreted? Do my symptoms mean I need a chest X-ray or an airway sample?