Where to Get a Free TB Test Near Oakland and San Leandro
If you need a tuberculosis test but are concerned about cost, you have options. Whether you need TB testing for employment, school enrollment, immigration, or personal health screening, knowing where to get a free TB test — or an affordable one — can save you time and money.
CityHealth Urgent Care in San Leandro offers affordable TB testing with walk-in availability 7 days a week. While not all TB tests are free, there are several programs and resources in the Oakland and San Leandro area that may cover your testing costs. Here is what you need to know.
Free and Low-Cost TB Testing Options Near You
1. County Health Departments
The Alameda County Public Health Department provides free or low-cost TB testing for residents. Their TB Control Program is located in Oakland and offers:
- Free TB skin tests (TST/PPD) for high-risk individuals
- Free QuantiFERON blood tests for eligible patients
- Free treatment if you test positive
- No insurance required
Contact Alameda County TB Control at (510) 267-3250 for eligibility and appointment information.
2. Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally Qualified Health Centers offer TB testing on a sliding fee scale based on income. In the Oakland/San Leandro area, options include:
- La Clínica de La Raza — multiple locations in Oakland and San Leandro
- Asian Health Services — Oakland Chinatown
- Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center — San Leandro and Hayward
These clinics accept Medi-Cal and offer reduced-cost services for uninsured patients.
3. CityHealth Urgent Care — San Leandro
CityHealth offers both TB skin tests and QuantiFERON blood tests at our San Leandro location. While not free, our testing is competitively priced and offers significant advantages:
- Walk-in availability — no appointment needed, 7 days a week
- Both test types — TB skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON TB Gold blood test
- On-site lab — blood drawn on-site, no separate lab visit
- Quick results — TST read in 48-72 hours, QuantiFERON results in 24-72 hours
- Insurance accepted — most major plans cover TB testing at 100%
- Self-pay options — affordable pricing for uninsured patients
For details on TB test costs, including insurance coverage and self-pay pricing, see our complete cost guide.
Types of TB Tests Available
TB Skin Test (TST/PPD/Mantoux)
The traditional tuberculin skin test involves a small injection under the skin of your forearm. You return 48-72 hours later for a healthcare provider to read the results. This test is widely available and typically the most affordable option.
Cost range: Free at county health departments; $20-75 at clinics and urgent cares.
QuantiFERON TB Gold Blood Test (IGRA)
A single-visit blood test that measures your immune response to TB proteins. According to the CDC, the QuantiFERON test is preferred for people who have received the BCG vaccine, are unlikely to return for a skin test reading, or need a more objective result.
Cost range: Free at county TB programs for eligible patients; $100-200 at clinics and urgent cares. Many insurance plans cover this test at 100% as preventive care.
Who Needs a TB Test?
TB testing is required or recommended in several situations:
- Employment: Healthcare workers, teachers, childcare workers, food service employees
- School enrollment: Many schools and universities require TB clearance
- Immigration: USCIS requires TB testing as part of the immigration medical exam
- Housing: Some shelters and residential programs require TB screening
- Recent exposure: If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB
- Travel: After extended travel to countries with high TB rates
- Symptoms: Persistent cough lasting 3+ weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever
How to Get Your TB Test Covered by Insurance
Most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, and private insurance, cover TB testing when ordered by a healthcare provider. Under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive screenings — including TB testing for high-risk individuals — are covered at no out-of-pocket cost.
CityHealth accepts most major insurance plans including:
- Blue Shield of California
- Blue Cross / Anthem
- Alameda Alliance
- Medi-Cal managed care plans
- Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare
- Medicare
Call your insurance company before your visit to confirm TB testing coverage, or ask our front desk staff to verify your benefits when you arrive.
What Happens If Your TB Test Is Positive?
A positive TB test does not necessarily mean you have active tuberculosis. It indicates you have been exposed to TB bacteria. Your next steps will include:
- Chest X-ray — to check for signs of active TB in the lungs (available at CityHealth San Leandro)
- Symptom evaluation — your provider will assess for cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats
- Treatment plan — latent TB is treated with antibiotics for 3-9 months to prevent progression to active disease
CityHealth offers on-site digital X-ray and can start your treatment plan the same day if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free TB test without insurance?
Yes. Alameda County Public Health Department offers free TB testing for county residents regardless of insurance status. Community health centers also offer sliding-scale pricing. CityHealth offers competitive self-pay rates for uninsured patients.
How long does a TB test take?
A TB skin test takes about 5 minutes for the injection, then you return in 48-72 hours for the reading. A QuantiFERON blood test is a single visit with results in 24-72 hours.
Do I need an appointment for a TB test?
At CityHealth San Leandro, no appointment is needed — walk-ins are welcome 7 days a week. County health departments typically require appointments for TB testing.
