Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern, and getting tested is a crucial step in preventing its spread and ensuring timely treatment. If you’re wondering “where to get a TB skin test,” you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, explain who should get tested, and pinpoint where you can find testing locations near you.
The TB skin test, also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test or PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) test, is a common method used to determine if you have been infected with TB bacteria. It’s important to understand that this test tells you if you have a TB infection, but further tests are needed to determine if you have active TB disease or latent TB infection.
Understanding the TB Skin Test Procedure
Getting a TB skin test involves two short visits to a healthcare provider. Here’s what you can expect:
Your First Appointment: Test Administration
During your initial visit, a trained healthcare professional will administer the tuberculin skin test. This is done by:
- Cleaning a small area on the lower part of your inner forearm.
- Using a small needle to inject a tiny amount of tuberculin fluid just under the surface of your skin. You should feel a small bump (wheal) form at the injection site.
This process is relatively quick and generally causes only mild and temporary discomfort, similar to a mosquito bite. After the injection, you’ll be given instructions on how to care for the injection site and schedule your second appointment.
Your Second Appointment: Reading the Test Results
The crucial second visit is required 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days) after the initial injection. This timeframe is critical for accurate results. At this appointment:
- A healthcare provider will examine the injection site on your arm.
- They will measure the size of any raised, hard area (induration) in millimeters. Redness alone is not measured.
- Based on the size of the induration, your medical history, and risk factors, the healthcare provider will determine if your test result is positive or negative.
It’s essential to return within the specified 48-72 hour window to have your test read. If you miss this window, the test results may not be accurate, and you might need to repeat the entire TB skin test process.
Who Should Get a TB Skin Test?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends TB testing for individuals who are at higher risk of TB infection. This includes:
- Infants and Children: Especially those who have been exposed to adults at high risk or who have traveled to countries where TB is common.
- Pregnant Women: TB testing is generally safe during pregnancy and is recommended for pregnant women at risk of TB.
- People with HIV Infection: HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to TB infection and progression to active TB disease.
- Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, organ transplants, and certain cancers can increase the risk of TB.
- Healthcare Workers: Those working in healthcare settings may be exposed to TB and require periodic testing.
- People Who Have Been in Close Contact with Someone with Active TB Disease: This is crucial for preventing further spread of the infection.
- People from Countries Where TB is Common: Immigrants, refugees, and travelers from regions with high TB rates are at increased risk.
- People Who Live or Work in High-Risk Congregate Settings: This includes homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes.
- Users of Illegal Drugs: Intravenous drug use and homelessness often increase TB risk.
It’s important to note that most people can safely receive a TB skin test. However, if you have a history of a severe reaction to a previous TB skin test, such as a severe allergic reaction, you should inform your healthcare provider. They might recommend a TB blood test instead.
TB Vaccine (BCG) and Skin Testing: What You Need to Know
If you have received the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, a vaccine for TB, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider before getting a TB skin test. The BCG vaccine is not commonly used in the United States but is prevalent in many countries with high TB rates.
The BCG vaccine can sometimes cause a false-positive result on a TB skin test. This means the skin test might indicate a TB infection even if you are not infected. Therefore, for individuals who have received the BCG vaccine, TB blood tests are generally preferred. TB blood tests, such as Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs), are not affected by the BCG vaccine and can provide a more accurate assessment of TB infection in vaccinated individuals.
If you have been vaccinated with BCG and require TB testing, discuss with your healthcare provider whether a TB blood test is more appropriate for you.
Where Can You Get a TB Skin Test? Finding Testing Locations
Finding a location to get a TB skin test is usually straightforward. Here are common places where you can get tested:
- Your Doctor’s Office or Primary Care Physician: This is often the most convenient and accessible option. Schedule an appointment with your regular doctor and inquire about TB skin testing.
- Local Health Departments: Public health departments frequently offer TB testing services, often at low or no cost. They are a valuable resource, especially for individuals without health insurance or those seeking affordable testing options. You can find your local health department through your city or county government website.
- Community Health Clinics: These clinics provide healthcare services to underserved communities and often offer TB testing. They may have income-based sliding scale fees, making testing more affordable.
- Urgent Care Centers: Some urgent care centers offer TB skin tests, which can be a convenient option if you need testing outside of regular doctor’s office hours. Call ahead to confirm if they provide TB skin tests.
- Workplace Health Clinics: If your employer requires TB testing, they may provide testing services through an occupational health clinic or employee health services.
- Colleges and Universities: Many colleges and universities offer TB testing through their student health services, especially for students in healthcare-related programs or those living in dormitories.
To find the most convenient and accessible testing location, you can:
- Contact your insurance provider: They can provide a list of in-network providers offering TB testing.
- Search online: Use search engines like Google Maps or Yelp with keywords like “TB skin test near me” or “health department TB testing” to find local options.
- Visit the CDC website: The CDC website may have resources or directories to help you locate TB testing services in your area.
- Call 2-1-1: In many areas, dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a health and human services information line that can help you find local testing resources.
Two-Step TB Skin Test: What It Is and Why It’s Used
In certain situations, healthcare providers may use a two-step TB skin test, especially for individuals who will undergo regular TB screening, such as healthcare workers or those entering nursing homes.
The two-step approach is designed to distinguish between a new TB infection and a boosted reaction from a past, remote TB infection. Here’s how it works:
- Step One: A TB skin test is administered and read as usual.
- Step Two (if Step One is Negative): If the first test is negative, a second TB skin test is administered one to three weeks later. This second test helps to “boost” the immune system’s memory if there was a prior TB infection long ago.
A positive reaction to the second test, when the first was negative, is more likely to represent a boosted reaction from an old infection rather than a recent infection. This two-step process helps prevent misinterpreting a boosted reaction as a new TB infection.
Understanding Your TB Skin Test Results: Positive and Negative
After your TB skin test is read, you will receive your results. It’s important to understand what these results mean:
Positive TB Skin Test Result
A positive TB skin test result indicates that you have been infected with TB bacteria. It does not necessarily mean you have active TB disease and are contagious. A positive result simply means TB germs are present in your body.
If you have a positive skin test, your healthcare provider will order further tests to determine if you have:
- Latent TB Infection: The TB bacteria are in your body but inactive and not causing illness. People with latent TB infection are not contagious and usually have no symptoms. However, latent TB infection can progress to active TB disease.
- Active TB Disease: The TB bacteria are active, multiplying, and causing illness. People with active TB disease are usually contagious and experience symptoms such as cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
Further tests to diagnose latent TB infection or active TB disease may include a chest X-ray and sputum tests (testing phlegm you cough up).
Negative TB Skin Test Result
A negative TB skin test result generally means that you are unlikely to have a TB infection. However, a negative result does not completely rule out TB, especially if:
- You were recently infected with TB (it can take 2 to 8 weeks after infection for the skin test to become positive).
- You have a weakened immune system (which may reduce the body’s ability to react to the test).
In these cases, even with a negative skin test, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or repeat testing at a later date, especially if you have symptoms of TB or are at high risk.
What Happens After Your TB Skin Test Results?
The next steps depend on your TB skin test results:
- Positive Result: If you have a positive TB skin test, your healthcare provider will conduct additional tests to determine if you have latent TB infection or active TB disease. If you have latent TB infection, treatment is usually recommended to prevent progression to active TB disease. If you have active TB disease, you will need treatment with antibiotics to cure the disease.
- Negative Result: If you have a negative TB skin test and are not at high risk of TB, no further action may be needed. If you are at high risk or have symptoms, your doctor may recommend repeat testing or other types of TB tests.
Keeping a Record: It’s wise to keep a personal record of your TB skin test results, especially if you have a positive result. This information can be helpful for future medical appointments or employment requirements.
Take Control of Your Health: Get Tested for TB
Knowing where to get a TB skin test and understanding the testing process is essential for protecting your health and the health of your community. If you believe you are at risk for TB, don’t hesitate to get tested. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of TB and ensuring effective management of the infection. Contact your healthcare provider or local health department today to learn more about TB testing and find a testing location near you.
Resources:
- What You Need to Know About the TB Skin Test Fact Sheet
- CDC – Tuberculosis (TB)
- Find TB Resources – National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA)
