Tuberculosis
TB Skin Tests can be given Mondays-Wednesdays only. The cost is $20.00 per test. You must be able to return to the Health Department in order to have the test read 48-72 hours later. Walk-ins may be accepted, but appointments are preferred.
If you have ever had a positive skin test, it should not be repeated. In most cases, a symptom assessment and/or chest x-ray will be needed.
Why Test?
TB Skin tests are done to determine if you have been exposed to the Tuberculosis bacteria.
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Most tests are done as a condition of employment or prior to enrolling in a health care related field of study. Symptoms of infectious TB disease are prolonged cough (greater than 3 weeks), bloody sputum, weight loss, decreased appetite, fever, and night sweats. If you have these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Positive Skin Test Results
A positive skin test does not mean you have Tuberculosis, only that you may have been exposed. If your skin test is positive, you will need to have a chest x-ray and see a doctor who may prescribe preventive treatment.
Treatment
Treatment is available free through the Health Department for people who do not have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover the medications.
Additional Resources
TB Disease Fact Sheet; English, Spanish, Hmong
TB Testing Fact Sheet
Latent TB Infection (LTBI) Fact Sheet; English, Spanish, Hmong