Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Testing

Cost: $5.00

Test placements available on Mondays, and test readings on Wednesdays.

Reasons for performing a TB skin test:

• A requirement for employment
• A requirement for entering one of the Allied Health Programs
• A requirement for some classes such as Early Childhood Education, Gerontology, and English ED 324, Math 315, etc.
• An entrance requirement for international students

What is a TB Skin Test?

The TB skin test is administered to determine if an individual has been exposed to the Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria.  TB is spread by tiny “tubercle” germs (bacteria) that can float in the air.  The TB bacteria may spray into the air if a person with active TB disease coughs or sneezes.  The TB skin test is an important step to make sure that an individual doesn’t get sick with TB disease.

The TB skin test is usually placed on your left forearm.  A small needle is used to put some testing material, called tuberculin, under your skin.  In 48-72 hours, a nurse at ARC Health Services 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 TB infection.

When are TB Skin Tests available?

Monday 7:30 a.m.12:00 and 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch)

NOTE: Anyone having a TB skin test placed by ARC Health Services 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.

Who should NOT have a TB Skin Test?

• Anyone who has had a positive TB skin test in the past
• Anyone referred for a chest x-ray after a TB skin test
• Anyone receiving a measles, mumps, rubella ( MMR) or measles, rubella (MR) immunization within 1 (one) month of requesting a TB skin test
• Anyone taking cortisone, prednisone or other steroids
• Anyone with cancer, leukemia, AIDS or any other disease that may cause problems with the immune system
• Pregnant women  (unless written clearance is provided by a physician)

Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Testing (PPD)

Option 1 – Three Visits	Option 2 – Four Visits
Visit 1 – 1^st PPD placed. Plan to return in 1 week. Visit 2 (one week after 1^st visit) – 1^st PPD results read. If negative, 2^nd PPD will be placed. Plan to return in 48-72 hours. Visit 3 (48-72 hours after 2^nd visit) – 2nd PPD results read.	Visit 1 – 1^st PPD placed. Plan to return in 48-72 hours. Visit 2 (48-72 hours after 1^st visit) – 1^st PPD results read. Visit 3 (7-21 days after 1^st visit) –2^nd PPD will be placed. Plan to return in 48-72 hours. Visit 4 (48-72 hours after 3^rd visit) – 2nd PPD results read.