Testing Services
Our clinic offers a variety of TB tests to help detect and manage tuberculosis (TB):
- TB Skin Tests: Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday during regular hours (not offered on Thursdays or during holidays).
- 2-Step TB Skin Test: For those who need additional testing.
- QuantiFERON Gold Blood Test: For those born outside the U.S., those who received the BCG vaccine, or individuals who need TB testing for work or school.
Symptoms
- Persistent cough (over three weeks).
- Chest pain.
- Coughing up blood or phlegm.
- Fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats.
When to Get Tested for TB
- Live or work in close-contact settings.
- Have close contact with someone with TB disease.
- Have HIV or a weakened immune system.
- Exhibit signs and symptoms of TB.
- Lived in countries where TB is common.
Types of TB Testing
- Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST).
- TB blood tests (IGRA) to detect TB infection.
TB Testing & Vaccines
- Let your health care provider know if you received the BCG vaccine, as it may affect TB testing results.
- Unlike the TB skin test, TB blood tests are not affected by prior BCG vaccination.
- Your provider also needs to know of any other vaccines you’ve had within the last 28 days, as live vaccines will negatively affect the test.
Latent TB Infection vs. TB Disease
- Latent TB: Bacteria are present but inactive, causing no symptoms or risk of spreading TB.
- TB Disease: Bacteria are active, causing symptoms and making TB contagious.
- Latent TB Infection and TB Disease CDC
Treatment
- Preventable and Curable: Treated with medication.
- For Active TB: Medications are provided at no cost; patients attend regular check-ins with a public health nurse until treatment is complete.
How TB Spreads
TB is spread by bacteria in the air through coughs, sneezes, talking, or singing from an infected person. It is NOT spread through food, sharing drinks, touching, or surfaces.
- CDC Tuberculosis Transmission (Video)
- How TB Spreads | TB | CDC (English)
- Cómo se transmite la tuberculosis | Datos básicos sobre la tuberculosis | TB | CDC (Spanish)
- What You Need to Know About Tuberculosis (cdc.gov)
Health Care Workers
Health care workers can access resources and tools for TB testing and management through professional resources provided by the CDC.