Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Testing

 

Cost:

No charge to all other registered students

No charge to all full-time faculty and staff

$10 for all part-time faculty and staff

Reasons for performing a TB Skin Test:

  • A requirement for entering one of the Health Science Programs
  • A requirement for employment
  • A requirement for some classes/internships

What is a TB Skin Test?

The TB Skin Test is administered in order to see 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 done on your arm.  A small needle is used to put some testing material, called tuberculin, under your skin.  In 48-72 hours, a nurse at the Health Center will need to check to see if there is a reaction to the test.

The TB Skin Test DOES NOT make you get TB. Also, a positive 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, the individual will be asked to get a chest x-ray in order to make sure that there is no active disease.  The TB skin test IS NOT a vaccine that prevents TB, but it does help you find out if you have TB infection.

When can you get a TB Skin Test?

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays   8:00 am – 12 pm & 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

You must then return to the Health Center 48-72 hours so that the test can be read (checked).  At that time you will receive a copy of your test results. 

NOTE:  NO TB SKIN TESTS ARE PERFORMED ON THURSDAYS OR ON DAYS WHEN A TB READING WOULD FALL ON A HOLIDAY.

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)