Tuberculosis (TB)
P: (828) 692-4223, Ext. 6507 | F: (828) 697-4504
The cost for a screening or a TB skin test required for employment is $14. 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.
Tuberculosis Skin Tests
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.
Please note: We cannot give you a live vaccine within 28 days of a TB test unless they were given on the same day.
More Information
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria that can damage the lungs or other parts of the body like the spine, lymph nodes or kidneys, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
TB is spread through the air from one person to another when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. Most people who become infected with TB do not get sick. This condition is known as latent TB infection (LTBI). People with LTBI cannot infect other people. However, without proper antibiotic treatment, the infection can progress to active TB disease.
A person with active TB disease may be infectious to others and must receive treatment for the condition. By law, physicians must report TB cases to the local health department. Both LTBI and TB disease require medical attention. In North Carolina, treatment of both conditions is provided free of charge through local health departments.
