TB SKIN TESTING

• TB skin testing is done throughout the year

• Testing Times - Days and time vary-PLEASE CALL!

o Monday: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm
o Tuesday: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm
o Wednesday: 8:15 am – 3:15 pm
o Thursday: NO TESTING
o Friday: 8:15 am – 3:00 pm

• A second visit is required 48-72 hours after testing to have the
   results interpreted

• 2-step TB skin testing is required for:

o Nursing students who have not had
   a TB skin test in the past year
o Adults aged 55 and older who have not had
   a TB skin test in the past 5 years

• Cost        1-Step                                   2-Step

o $10 registered students         o $15 registered students
o $15 non-students                 o $20 non-students

Health Services administers the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. This is the more accurate form of TB skin testing. The test consists of an injection of Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) just under the skin of the forearm. The client must return in 48-72 hours to have the test “read.” The results will be interpreted as positive or negative.

A negative test usually means that you are not infected with tuberculosis bacteria.

A positive test indicates that you are infected by tuberculosis bacteria (TB) but do not necessarily have the disease in the active stage. All positive tests must be followed by a chest x-ray to determine if you have TB in the active stage. The nurse will provide you with a list of locations where you may obtain a chest x-ray if your test result is positive.

If your chest x-ray is negative (free of active tuberculosis), you may be treated with medication to prevent the inactive TB infection from becoming active TB disease.

A positive chest x-ray means that you may have active tuberculosis. Further testing would be needed to know if you can spread active tuberculosis to other people .

For more information go to the following Health & Human Services Agency link:

Basic Facts about TB infection and Active Disease
The Tuberculin Skin Test