Whether you need a tuberculosis test for work, school, immigration, or because you were exposed to someone with TB, the first question is practical: where can I get TB testing near me? The good news is that TB tests are widely available at clinics, pharmacies, health departments, and urgent care centers across the country. Here is everything you need to know about where to go, what it costs, and what to expect.
Where to Get a TB Test
Several types of facilities offer TB testing. Your best option depends on your location, insurance status, and how quickly you need results.
Local Health Departments
County and city health departments are among the most reliable places for affordable TB testing. Many offer free or low-cost testing, especially for people without insurance, those who have been exposed to TB, or those referred through immigration or employment programs. You can find your local health department through the CDC’s TB resources page. Wait times vary — some health departments offer walk-in testing, while others require appointments.
Urgent Care Centers and Walk-In Clinics
Most urgent care clinics offer TB skin tests (TST/PPD) and can often accommodate walk-in patients. This is a convenient option if you need testing quickly and your health department has a long wait time. Expect to pay $30 to $75 without insurance for the skin test. Keep in mind that the skin test requires two visits — one to place the test and another 48 to 72 hours later to read the result.
Pharmacies With Health Clinics
CVS MinuteClinic, Walgreens Healthcare Clinic, and similar pharmacy-based clinics offer TB testing in many locations. Pricing is typically $35 to $85 for the skin test. These clinics often accept walk-ins and have extended hours, including evenings and weekends, which makes them a good option for people with limited weekday availability.
Your Primary Care Doctor
Your regular doctor can order and administer a TB test during a routine visit. This is often the most straightforward option if you are due for a checkup anyway. Your insurance is more likely to cover the test when ordered by your primary care physician, especially if there is a documented medical reason for the test.
Occupational Health Clinics
If your employer requires TB testing — common in healthcare, education, food service, and corrections — they may have a designated occupational health provider. In many cases, the employer covers the cost of required employment-related testing.
Types of TB Tests
Two main types of TB tests are used in the United States, and understanding the difference helps you prepare for your visit.
TB Skin Test (TST/PPD/Mantoux Test)
The tuberculin skin test involves a small injection of purified protein derivative (PPD) just under the skin of your forearm. It does not contain live TB bacteria and cannot give you tuberculosis. After 48 to 72 hours, you return to the clinic so a healthcare professional can measure the size of any raised bump (induration) at the injection site. According to the CDC, an induration of 5 millimeters or more is considered positive for high-risk individuals, while 10 millimeters or more is positive for people with moderate risk factors, and 15 millimeters or more is positive for people with no known risk factors.
TB Blood Test (IGRA)
Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) — the two FDA-approved versions are QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus and T-SPOT.TB — require a single blood draw. Results are typically available within 24 to 72 hours. Blood tests are preferred for people who have received the BCG vaccine (common outside the U.S.), since BCG can cause false-positive skin test results. Blood tests are also more convenient because they require only one visit.
Blood tests tend to cost more — $75 to $200 without insurance — but they eliminate the need for a return visit and reduce the risk of false positives. Many employers and immigration programs accept either type of test.
What Does a TB Test Cost?
Here is a general cost breakdown for TB testing near me searches, based on typical U.S. pricing:
TB skin test (PPD): $20 to $75 without insurance. TB blood test (IGRA): $75 to $200 without insurance. Chest X-ray (if your TB test is positive): $100 to $300 without insurance. With insurance, most TB tests are covered as preventive care with little or no copay, especially when medically indicated or employer-required. Medicare covers TB testing when ordered by a doctor. Medicaid coverage varies by state but generally includes TB testing.
If cost is a barrier, local health departments often provide free testing, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer services on a sliding fee scale based on income.
What to Expect During Your TB Test
For a skin test, the process is quick and minimally uncomfortable. A healthcare worker will clean the inner surface of your forearm and use a small needle to inject a tiny amount of PPD solution just under the skin. You will see a small, pale bump form immediately — this is normal. Do not cover, scratch, or apply lotion to the area. Return in 48 to 72 hours (not sooner, not later) so a trained professional can read the result by measuring any induration.
For a blood test, you will have a standard blood draw from a vein in your arm. No return visit is needed. Results are typically communicated by phone, through a patient portal, or at a follow-up appointment within a few days.
Understanding Your Results
A negative TB test means you are unlikely to have TB infection. However, it can take 2 to 8 weeks after exposure for the body to develop a detectable immune response, so a negative test soon after potential exposure may need to be repeated later.
A positive TB test means your body has been exposed to TB bacteria, but it does not necessarily mean you have active TB disease. Many people have latent TB infection (LTBI) — the bacteria are present but dormant, and you are not sick or contagious. A positive test will be followed by a chest X-ray and possibly sputum testing to determine whether you have latent infection or active disease. According to the CDC, up to 13 million Americans may have latent TB infection, with only about 8,300 active TB cases reported in 2022.
If you have latent TB, your doctor may recommend preventive treatment — typically 3 to 9 months of medication — to prevent progression to active disease. Treatment for active TB involves a longer course of multiple antibiotics, usually 6 to 9 months. For more information on healthcare services and finding care, visit our wellness guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a TB test take?
The skin test itself takes less than 5 minutes. However, you must return 48 to 72 hours later for the reading, so the total process spans 2 to 3 days. A blood test (IGRA) takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the blood draw, and results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days.
Can I shower or exercise after a TB skin test?
Yes, you can shower and exercise normally. Just avoid scrubbing, scratching, or rubbing the test site. Do not apply Band-Aids, tape, lotions, or creams to the area, as these can irritate the skin and potentially affect the reading.
Do I need a TB test for a new job?
Many employers in healthcare, education, childcare, food service, and correctional facilities require TB testing as a condition of employment. Some require annual testing. Check with your employer’s HR department or occupational health office for specific requirements. Employer-required tests are often paid for by the employer.
What happens if my TB test is positive?
A positive test is followed by a chest X-ray to check for signs of active TB in the lungs. If the X-ray is normal, you likely have latent TB infection and will be offered preventive treatment. If the X-ray shows abnormalities, further tests (including sputum cultures) will determine whether you have active TB disease requiring more intensive treatment. A positive test result stays positive for life — if you test positive once, future testing is done with chest X-rays rather than repeating the skin test.
Is the TB skin test safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The TB skin test is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, according to the CDC. The test does not contain live bacteria and poses no known risk to the mother or fetus. If testing is indicated — for example, due to exposure or immigration requirements — it should not be delayed because of pregnancy.