How Much Does a TB Test Cost? (2024) (2024)

Average TB test cost

A tuberculin skin test costs $50 to $175 without insurance, depending on the testing facility. A TB blood test costs $150 to $350 without insurance. A positive TB skin or blood test result indicates exposure to tuberculosis and requires further testing to determine your actual infection status and treatment needs.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks or sneezes. A positive TB test result indicates exposure to TB bacteria, but further testing is necessary to determine the infection status:

• Latent TB infection (LTBI): With inactive or latent status, TB bacteria are present in the body but remain dormant. People with LTBI are not contagious and typically have no symptoms. However, they may develop active TB later if their immune system weakens.

• Active TB disease: With active TB, the bacteria are actively multiplying, causing symptoms. Active pulmonary TB is contagious and can be fatal if left untreated.

While TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also involve other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB), such as the lymph nodes, bones, or central nervous system. Diagnosis involves a combination of methods, including skin and blood tests, X-rays, and sputum tests.

TB skin test cost

The tuberculin skin test (TST) or Mantoux test checks for TB infection and costs $50 to $175 without insurance. A small amount of tuberculin is injected under the forearm skin, and the site is examined 48 to 72 hours later for a reaction. A positive result suggests TB exposure but doesn't confirm active disease.

• False positives can occur in BCG-vaccinated individuals and false negatives in those with weakened immune systems.

• A two-step TST, with two skin tests performed 1 to 4 weeks apart, may be required for more accurate baseline screening in healthcare workers and others needing regular TB testing.

TB blood test cost

TB blood tests (IGRAs) are a modern method to detect tuberculosis infection, costing $150 to $350 without insurance. The two FDA-approved tests are QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus and T-SPOT.TB.

These tests measure the immune system's reaction to TB proteins in a blood sample. A positive result indicates TB infection but doesn't differentiate between latent and active TB. Additional testing is required to determine if the disease is active.

• IGRAs are less likely to produce false-positive results in previously BCG-vaccinated patients.

• False positives can occur in recently exposed individuals and false negatives in those with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions.

Chest X-ray cost

A chest X-ray costs $100 to $300 at imaging centers or $200 to $500 in hospitals. This quick, painless scan is often used after a positive TB test to look for lung abnormalities indicating TB. The X-ray procedure uses low-dose radiation, with results often available within hours.

A radiologist examines the images for signs of TB. Positive findings suggest possible active TB but aren't definitive. False positives and negatives can occur. Additional testing, like sputum tests, may be needed to confirm active TB.

• X-rays may be less effective in detecting TB in immunocompromised individuals, like those with HIV/AIDS.

• A more detailed CT scan costs $300 to $2,000 at an imaging center and is often used in diagnosing complex or unclear cases.

TB sputum test cost

The sputum test is a crucial diagnostic tool for detecting active tuberculosis (TB) disease. A TB sputum test costs $25 to $175 without insurance, depending on the lab and the specific type of analysis performed. The test is more definitive than skin or blood tests but may require multiple samples and take longer to get results.

For a TB sputum test, the patient coughs deeply and expels sputum from their lungs into a sterile container. Usually, three samples are collected over consecutive days. Samples are examined using microscopy, culture, or molecular testing. Microscopy results are available within hours, while cultures may take weeks.

• A positive result confirms active TB disease, but negative results don't always rule it out.

• False negatives can occur with insufficient bacteria in the sample, which is more common in children, HIV-positive individuals, or those with extrapulmonary TB.

• Recent antibiotic use or improper sample handling can also affect accuracy.

Tuberculosis test cost by location

The cost of tuberculosis testing varies depending on the testing facility and location. Generally, public health departments offer more affordable options, often with sliding scale rates for low-income patients or free testing if you’ve been exposed to someone with TB. Private healthcare providers and urgent care centers charge higher fees.

The following table shows the average costs for TB skin and blood tests at different testing locations.

TB screening recommendations

Your doctor may recommend TB testing if you have symptoms consistent with active TB, such as persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

They might also suggest a TB test if:

• You’ve been in close contact with someone known to have active TB disease.

• You’ve recently traveled to or lived in a country with high TB rates.

• You’re in a high-risk group, such as TB-exposed healthcare workers, homeless shelter volunteers, or correctional facility employees who receive routine TB health screenings.

• You have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or severe kidney disease.

• You're starting certain medications that can suppress the immune system, requiring TB screening before treatment.

TB testing cost factors

Several factors influence the cost of TB testing:

• Provider: Costs differ between primary care offices, clinics, and hospitals. Some charge separately for an office visit, and skin tests often require two appointments for placement and reading.

• Type of test: TB blood tests (IGRAs) are generally more accurate and expensive than skin tests (TST/PPD).

• Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans cover TB testing, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

• Location: Costs can vary significantly depending on your geographic location.

• Additional tests: If initial results are positive, follow-up tests like chest X-rays, CT scans, or sputum tests may be required at additional cost.

Tuberculin testing FAQs

What is a TB test?

A TB test, also known as a tuberculosis test, is a diagnostic tool used to determine if a person has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.

What does a positive TB test look like?

A positive TB skin test typically appears as a raised, firm bump (induration) at the injection site.

Where can I get a free TB test?

In some circ*mstances, you may be able to get a free TB test through your local public health department, community health center, or specialized TB clinic in your area. Search online for “free TB testing” along with your city or county name for more localized results.

How often do you need a TB test?

How often you need a TB test depends on various factors:

• Individuals exposed to TB require immediate testing, followed by a second test 8 to 10 weeks later.

• General healthcare workers get a baseline screening upon hire and when there is a known exposure.

• High-risk providers, such as pulmonologists or respiratory therapists, may receive annual screenings, depending on the healthcare facility.

• Some nursing programs require a baseline screening followed by annual testing.

• Individuals with a history of positive TB tests usually have annual symptom screenings if they don't receive treatment for latent TB.

• Patients on certain immunosuppressing medications should be screened for TB before starting the medication and monitored during treatment.

What happens if I test positive for TB?

After a positive TB test, your healthcare provider will conduct a chest X-ray and possibly a sputum test to determine if you have a latent TB infection or active TB disease. Latent TB may require preventive antibiotics, while active TB needs a longer, more intensive antibiotic regimen.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider about TB testing

When discussing TB testing with your healthcare provider, remember to mention any relevant medical history, symptoms, or potential TB exposures, and be sure to ask these questions:

• Do I need to get tested for TB? What puts me at risk for TB infection?

• How often do you recommend I get tested for TB?

• Do you recommend I get a TB skin test or blood test?

• If I've received the BCG vaccine in the past, which test should I get?

• What happens if my TB test is positive? What additional tests would I need?

• How will I find out my test results and when can I expect them?

• If I test positive for latent TB infection, what are the next steps?

• Are there any costs associated with TB testing? Is the test covered by my insurance?

• Where can I get tested—at your office, a clinic, or elsewhere?

• Can you provide me with additional information about TB to take home?

• If I have a positive test, how is TB treated? What are the treatment options?

• Are there any side effects or risks associated with TB testing I should be aware of?