TB Testing

How is TB diagnosed?

There are two kinds of tests that can be used to help detect TB infection - the TB skin test (TST) and special TB blood tests. A positive TB skin test or TB blood test only tells that a person has been infected with TB bacteria. It does not tell whether or not the person has progressed to TB disease. Other tests, such as a chest x-ray and a sample of sputum, are needed to see whether the person has TB disease.

Who should get a TB test?

You should get tested for TB if:

• You have spent time with a person known to have active TB disease or suspected to have active TB disease; or
• You have HIV infection, drink heavily or are an intravenous drug user, or have another condition the weakens the immune system and puts you at high risk for active TB disease; or
• You think you might have active TB disease; or
• You are from a country where active TB disease is very common (most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia); or
• You live somewhere in the United States that active TB disease is more common such as a homeless shelter, migrant farm camp, prison or jail, and some nursing homes.

How Should I Get Tested for TB?

There are 2 kinds of tests for TB; Quantiferon Gold blood test (QFT) and TB skin tests. PHMDC screens most clients for TB with the Quantiferon Gold blood tests (QFT), a more accurate test than the TB skin test. To get a QFT test, call PHMDC: 266-4821.

• You will be prompted to an automated voicemail system which will screen you for TB screening eligibility. If eligible, please make an appointment with the receptionist.
• At your appointment, you will fill out paperwork and will be given instructions to St. Mary's or Meriter Laboratories for the blood draw.
• You are responsible for going to the lab for the blood draw; your QFT lab test results will be sent to you in the mail. If you need your test results sooner, please speak with one of the lab staff on how to obtain your medical records sooner.

If you need a TB test quickly, you may want to get a TB skin test at one of the following:

Concentra

• 1619 North Stoughton Road, Madison, 244-1213
• 358 Junction Road, Madison, 829-1888

Dean Urgent Care

• 1821 Stoughton Road, Madison
• 752 N. High Point Road, Madison
  Both Clinics: 250-1525

UW Health Urgent Care

• 7102 Mineral Point Road, Madison, 828-7603
• 4122 East Towne Boulevard, Madison, 242-6855

Walgreens Take Care Clinics

• 3710 E. Washington, Madison
• 3700 University Avenue, Madison
  All Clinics: 1-866-825-3227
• 2931 S. Fish Hatchery, Fitchburg

Call them for hours and cost.