TB (Tuberculosis) Skin Tests

The cost is $14 for routine tests required for employment, but there is no charge if the client is symptomatic for TB or has been determined to be a contact with someone with active TB. For a client with a positive skin test, a Communicable Disease Nurse will offer counseling, chest X-rays, medical referrals, contact tracing and testing, and provide medication. Tuberculosis Control Services are provided at no cost to the client.

The tests are administered on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. The client is required to return to the Immunization Clinic 72 hours after the skin test is placed to be evaluated by a nurse. Tuberculosis skin tests are most accurate at 72 hours after administration.

If you have had a live vaccine (such as an MMR or Chickenpox) within the last 28 days, we are unable to give you a TB skin test. Doing so may result in a false negative.

We can give you a TB skin test and live vaccine on the same day, but a follow-up skin test (such as a 2 step) must be after 28 days from the initial live vaccine dose.

Additional information about tuberculosis is available from the CDC and the state's website. The North Carolina Tuberculosis Control Program's Policy Manual is available on the web for review for health care professionals and the general public.