Which specialist performs tuberculosis screening?

The clinician asks about possible exposure, previous tuberculosis, immune health, living or working settings, travel, symptoms, and any screening requirement. Testing may use a blood test such as an IGRA or a skin test such as the Mantoux test. A screening result is not the same as a complete diagnosis. If the result or clinical picture raises concern, further assessment may include a chest image, sputum testing, or review by a respiratory or infectious-disease specialist.

Tell the clinician about prior tuberculosis testing, BCG vaccination if known, recent exposure, immune-suppressing medicines, and symptoms such as cough or fever. Take any requested identification or occupational paperwork. Attend follow-up for results even if you feel well, and follow instructions about returning for a skin-test reading or completing additional tests.

Contact a clinician promptly for a cough that does not settle, coughing blood, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever, or close contact with someone who has infectious tuberculosis. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, coughing significant blood, confusion, or rapid deterioration. Avoid delaying assessment because screening can be appropriate before symptoms become pronounced.

Ask which test is suitable, when and how results will be reported, whether a positive result needs confirmation, and what symptoms should trigger earlier review. If screening is for work, study, or immigration, ask what documentation the service can provide.