TB Skin Testing
What is TB?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that spread from person to person through the air.
TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
TB Testing
TB testing is done by injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin in the lower part of the arm. A small, pale bump will form at the injection site. A person given a TB test must return within 48 to 72 hours to have a nurse look for a reaction on the arm.
TB testing can be performed as a single-step or a two-step test. Two-step tests require the fluid to be placed into the skin of the opposite forearm at least 7 days after the first-step test is read.
Most insurance is accepted, and self-pay pricing is available.
Call 740-342-5179, option 2What if my TB test is positive?
A positive TB test tells only that a person has been infected with TB germs. It does not tell whether the person has progressed to TB disease. Other tests, such as a chest x-ray, are needed to see whether the person has TB disease.
Patients with positive TB results will be referred to the Rambo Memorial Health Center TB & Respiratory Clinic — opens in a new tab, leaves this website in Zanesville for further testing.
How is TB disease treated?
TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for 6 to 12 months. It is very important that people who have TB finish the medicine and take the drugs as prescribed. In some situations, health department staff may meet regularly with patients to watch them take their medication — called directly observed therapy (DOT) — which helps ensure the patient completes treatment in the least amount of time.