Cost: $5
The TB skin test is administered to determine if an individual has been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). TB is spread through the air from one person to another when a person with active TB disease coughs or sneezes. The TB skin test is an important step to screen for exposure to TB infection.
The TB skin test is usually placed on your left forearm. A small needle is used to put some testing material, called tuberculin, under the skin. In 48-72 hours, a nurse at the Health Center will need to check to see if there is a reaction to the test.
The TB Skin Test DOES NOT make you get TB. A positive test result DOES NOT necessarily mean that you have the disease. It may only mean that you have been exposed. If a positive result does occur, you will be asked to get a chest x-ray to make sure that there is no active disease. The TB skin test IS NOT a vaccine to prevent TB, but it does help you find out if you have been exposed to TB infection.
Fall & Spring: Mondays 7:30-11:45 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m.
NOTE: Anyone having a TB skin test placed by the Health Center must plan to return 48-72 hours so that the test can be read (checked). At that time you will receive a copy of your test results. If you fail to return within the specified time, the test must be repeated at a charge of $5.00.
If required by your educational program
| Option 1 - Three Visits | Option 2 - Four Visits |
|---|---|
|
Visit 1: 1st PPD placed. Visit 2: (One week after 1st visit) 1st PPD results read. Visit 3: (48-72 hours after 2nd visit) |
Visit 1: 1st PPD placed. Visit 2: (48-72 hours after 1st visit) Visit 3: (7-21 days after 1st visit) 2nd PPD will be placed. Visit 4: (48-72 hours after 3rd visit) |