How Much Does a TB Test Cost? Prices, Types & Where to Go

If you’re wondering how much a TB test costs, the short answer is: at CityHealth in San Leandro, a tuberculosis skin test (TST) costs $65. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment needed, and results are ready in 72 hours. Whether you need a TB test for work, school, immigration, or just peace of mind, this guide covers everything you need to know — including the difference between test types, what insurance covers, and how to get tested fast in the East Bay.

Why Do People Need a TB Test?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. Most people in the United States with TB have what’s called latent TB — the bacteria are in the body but not causing illness and are not contagious. Active TB disease is contagious and requires medical treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB testing is recommended for people who:

• Work in healthcare, schools, childcare, or correctional facilities
• Are applying for certain jobs or professional licenses
• Are enrolling in school, college, or nursing programs
• Are going through the immigration process (required for certain visa categories)
• Have had recent close contact with someone who has active TB
• Were born in or have lived in countries where TB is more common
• Are living with HIV or another condition that weakens the immune system
• Are starting immunosuppressive medications like biologics or steroids

TB tests are routine and straightforward — but you need a clinic that’s convenient and affordable.

How Much Does a TB Test Cost Without Insurance?

At CityHealth in San Leandro, the cost of a TB skin test (also called a PPD test or Mantoux test) is $65 for self-pay patients. This is an all-in price — there’s no separate fee for the reading appointment 48–72 hours later.

Prices at other clinics vary. Here’s a general comparison:

• County health departments: Sometimes free or low-cost, but appointments can be hard to get and hours are limited
• Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens): Typically $35–$65, but availability varies by location
• Urgent care clinics: Typically $50–$100, with same-day availability
• Primary care offices: May be covered by insurance but often require a scheduled appointment
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Sliding scale based on income; good option for uninsured patients

For most uninsured patients who need a same-day or next-day TB test, urgent care is the most convenient and predictably priced option.

Does Insurance Cover TB Testing?

In many cases, yes. Many insurance plans cover TB testing as a preventive service, especially when ordered for employment, school, or medical reasons. CityHealth accepts most major insurance plans, including:

• Blue Shield of California
• Aetna
• Cigna
• United Healthcare
• Medicare
• Medi-Cal

Coverage and copay amounts vary depending on your specific plan and whether TB testing is classified as preventive care under your policy. We recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card to confirm coverage before your visit. If you’re uninsured, the $65 flat rate applies.

Types of TB Tests: TST vs. IGRA (Blood Test)

There are two main ways to test for TB infection:

1. Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) — the PPD Test

The tuberculin skin test (TST), also called the Mantoux test or PPD (purified protein derivative) test, is the most common type of TB test. Here’s how it works:

1. A small amount of tuberculin (a protein from the TB bacteria) is injected just under the skin of your forearm
2. You return 48–72 hours later to have the injection site measured by a healthcare provider
3. A raised, firm bump (induration) at the injection site indicates a positive result
4. The size of the bump is measured in millimeters — what counts as “positive” depends on your risk factors

Important: You must return for the reading within 48–72 hours of the injection. If you don’t come back in that window, the test is void and must be repeated. CityHealth will give you a reading card with the date and time you need to return.

2. IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) — TB Blood Test

The IGRA is a blood test that measures how your immune system responds to TB bacteria. Common brand names include QuantiFERON-TB Gold and T-SPOT.TB. Advantages of the IGRA include:

• Only one visit needed (no return appointment for reading)
• Not affected by prior BCG vaccination (the TB vaccine used in many countries), which can cause false-positive skin tests
• Results in 1–3 business days

The IGRA blood test is more expensive than the skin test and is typically ordered for patients who received the BCG vaccine, cannot return for a skin test reading, or have had a positive skin test in the past. Ask your provider which test is right for your situation. CityHealth can order both types.

What Does a Positive TB Test Mean?

A positive TB test does not mean you have active TB disease or are contagious. It means your body has been exposed to TB bacteria at some point. This is called latent TB infection (LTBI). Most people with latent TB:

• Have no symptoms
• Are not contagious
• Will never develop active TB

However, latent TB can become active TB — especially in people with weakened immune systems. If you have a positive test, your provider will likely order a chest X-ray to check for signs of active TB and may recommend treatment for latent TB to prevent it from becoming active. CityHealth has on-site X-ray and can start this evaluation the same day.

A negative TB test means no reaction was detected — you likely have not been infected with TB bacteria. However, TB tests are not 100% accurate. People who are very recently infected (within 2–8 weeks) or who have severely weakened immune systems may test negative even with infection present.

How Long Does a TB Test Take?

Getting the TB skin test injection takes only about 5 minutes. The full process, including check-in and paperwork, typically takes 15–30 minutes. You must return in 48–72 hours for the reading — that visit also takes about 10–15 minutes. CityHealth is open 7 days a week, so you can easily schedule the reading within the required window.

Can I Get a TB Test Without an Appointment?

Yes. CityHealth in San Leandro is a walk-in clinic — no appointment needed for TB testing. You can come in any day during business hours. If you prefer to book ahead and skip the front desk, you can also schedule online at the link below.

We do ask that you plan your visit so you can return for the reading within 48–72 hours. If you know you’ll be out of town or unavailable in that window, schedule your injection for a day that works with your schedule.

Who Needs a Two-Step TB Test?

Some employers and schools — especially healthcare facilities — require a two-step TST for new employees or students. This involves:

1. First TB skin test given, reading taken 48–72 hours later
2. Second TB skin test given 1–3 weeks after the first, reading taken 48–72 hours later

The two-step process is used to account for “boosting” — when someone with older TB exposure may have a weak immune response to the first test that becomes stronger on the second. This reduces false-positive results from boosting in future annual testing. CityHealth can perform both steps of the two-step TB test.

Get Your TB Test at CityHealth San Leandro Today

Need a TB test for work, school, a healthcare license, or immigration? CityHealth in San Leandro makes it easy and affordable. At $65 for self-pay patients, same-day walk-in availability, and results ready in 72 hours, we’re one of the most convenient options in the East Bay. Our providers are experienced in occupational health screenings and can help you navigate the paperwork your employer or school requires.