Sutter Walk-In Care offers simple and safe TB skin tests. In just 48 to 72 hours, we can tell you if you have been exposed and, if needed, refer you for treatment. We accept most insurance plans, but if you are uninsured or prefer to pay out of pocket, TB tests cost $79.

Why Do You Need a TB Test?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is transmitted through the air from one person to another. When someone is sick with TB, others can breathe the bacteria into their lungs and also become infected.

It’s important to know if you have TB, so that you can avoid spreading the disease to others and start your treatment, which can take from 6 months to 2 years to complete.

Who Should Be Tested?

Anyone who is at high risk of getting TB should be tested, including people who:

• Have spent time with someone with TB.
• Have TB symptoms: cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss.
• Have HIV or another condition that weakens the immune system.
• Have lived in or visited a country where TB is common.
• Use illegal drugs.

Many employers require a pre-employment TB test for people who work with children or the elderly, as well as those who work in:

• Schools.
• Healthcare.
• Nursing homes.
• Homeless shelters.
• Prisons and jails.

Almost anyone can have a TB test, including infants, children and pregnant women.

How Does the TB Skin Test Work?

The TB skin test is performed by injecting a small amount of liquid into the skin of your arm.

After waiting 48 to 72 hours, you come back to Sutter Walk-In Care and have a clinician check your arm and tell you if the test was negative or positive.

What Does a Negative Test Mean?

The test is negative if there is a bump or very small bump at the injection site. A negative read means you do not have TB.

What Does a Positive Test Mean?

The test is positive if there is a larger bump or swelling at the test site, which means you could have TB bacteria in your body. Our team will refer you to your doctor or specialist for further testing.