TB Testing

TB Testing

The THD’s community-wide Tuberculosis Prevention Program utilizes education, testing and TB treatment to help stop the spread of Tuberculosis.  

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

TB is caused by bacteria that usually attacks the lungs. It is spread through the air from person to person. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with active TB disease can die if they do not get treatment. 
You may fall into a high- or moderate-risk group for TB if you have an HIV infection, have had recent contact with a person with active TB disease, or if you have recently been in a country with a high incidence of TB. 

Testing

Who should receive testing for TB infection:

  • People with symptoms of active TB.
    • The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood. Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected. 
  • People who have spent time with someone who has TB disease.  
  • Persons referred by a private physician or clinic
  • People from a country where TB disease high incidence of TB disease. 
  • People who live or work in a high-risk setting (i.e. correctional facilities, long-term care facilities or nursing homes, drug and alcohol recovery facilities and homeless shelters)
  • People that have risk factors for disease reactivation
    • People with HIV
    • People with inject illegal drugs
    • People who are sick with other diseases that weaken the immune system
    • Elderly people
    • People who were not treated correctly for TB in the past
  • Homeless persons

Services

TB Services at THD include:

  • Chest x-ray 
  • Sputum collection
  • HIV testing and other lab testing
  • Medication
  • Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
  • Consultation with employers, schools, civic groups, and healthcare providers

TB test are generally not needed for people with low risk of infection with TB bacteria.

Accessibility
TB skin testing for all age groups is conducted at the Central Regional Health Center, James O. Goodwin Health Center, North Regional Health and Wellness Center, Sand Springs Health Center and Collinsville Health Center by appointment only.  A Spanish-speaking interpreter is available. A Burmese interpreter is available at the Central Regional Health Center.

Costs
There is a $20 charge for routine TB skin testing. There is no charge for TB testing if you have been exposed to an active case, are considered at increased risk, or have symptoms. There is a charge for other TB testing. For more information, please call 918-595-4109.