How Much Does TB Testing Cost? 2026 Pricing Guide

You need a TB test. Maybe it’s required for a new job, a school enrollment form, or a healthcare credential renewal. Whatever the reason, figuring out how much TB testing costs before you walk in the door is a reasonable thing to want to know. Here’s what you’ll actually pay at CityHealth in San Leandro, what affects the price, and how to avoid overpaying.

How Much Is TB Testing? Pricing at CityHealth San Leandro

At CityHealth in San Leandro, self-pay urgent care visits start at $145. That’s the visit cost. TB testing is one of the most common services requested, and it’s included within that visit structure depending on the type of test and your clinical situation.

If you have insurance, the calculation is different. CityHealth accepts most major insurance plans, and TB tests are frequently covered at little or no cost to you. Here’s how coverage typically breaks down:

• Private insurance (PPO/HMO): TB testing is usually covered, often with a standard copay ranging from $0 to $40 depending on your plan and in-network status.
• Medi-Cal / Alameda Alliance: Covered. TB testing is a preventive service and typically requires no out-of-pocket payment for Medi-Cal members.
• Self-pay (no insurance): Visits start at $145. CityHealth is transparent about pricing, so ask at the front desk about your specific test cost before the visit starts.

The honest takeaway: if you have insurance, bring your card. If you don’t, you’re looking at a straightforward flat-rate visit with no surprise bills.

What Type of TB Test Do You Need?

The cost and process of how much TB testing runs depends partly on which test you get. There are two main options, and your employer, school, or healthcare facility may specify which one they require.

TB Skin Test (TST / Mantoux)

The tuberculin skin test, also called a Mantoux test or PPD test, is the most common type. A small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin on your forearm. You then return 48 to 72 hours later to have the site read by a clinician.

That two-visit requirement is important to plan for. If you need results fast, a skin test may not be your best option since the reading appointment is mandatory. Both visits at CityHealth count toward your visit cost, so factor that in if you’re self-pay.

TB Blood Test (IGRA / QuantiFERON-TB Gold)

The IGRA blood test (interferon-gamma release assay, marketed as QuantiFERON-TB Gold) requires only one visit. Blood is drawn and sent to a lab, and results typically come back within a few days. It’s the preferred option for people who have received the BCG vaccine, since the skin test can produce false positives in that population.

Blood tests are slightly more expensive than skin tests on a lab-fee basis, but the single-visit convenience often makes them worth it, especially if your schedule is tight. According to the CDC’s TB testing guidance, both tests are acceptable for most screening purposes, but check with your employer or institution about which format they accept before you come in.

Which One Do Most Employers Accept?

Most California employers, schools, and healthcare facilities accept both. Some healthcare employers specifically require the blood test for new hires who have BCG vaccination history. If your paperwork specifies, follow it. If it doesn’t specify, either works and you can choose based on convenience.

Does Insurance Cover TB Testing?

For most insured patients, yes. TB testing falls under preventive care in most plan structures, which means it’s often covered at 100% with no copay under the Affordable Care Act. That said, coverage specifics depend on your plan.

Things that affect your actual out-of-pocket cost:

• In-network vs. out-of-network: CityHealth is in-network with most major California insurers. Out-of-network visits cost more and may not count toward your deductible the same way.
• Deductible status: If you haven’t met your annual deductible, you may owe the negotiated rate for the visit rather than a copay.
• Lab fees: Blood tests involve a separate lab component. Depending on your plan, lab fees may be billed separately from the office visit.

The safest move: call your insurance before your visit or ask the front desk at CityHealth to verify your benefits. It takes five minutes and eliminates guesswork.

If you’re on Medi-Cal or Alameda Alliance, CityHealth accepts both. TB tests are a covered preventive service under Medi-Cal, so your cost is typically zero. Bring your insurance card regardless.

Where to Get TB Testing in the East Bay

CityHealth San Leandro is one of the most accessible walk-in TB testing options in the East Bay. No appointment required. Open seven days a week. Results handled in-clinic with documentation you can bring straight to your employer or school.

CityHealth San Leandro
201 Dolores Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577
Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday through Friday: 9am to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Phone: (510) 984-2489

Walk-ins are always welcome. If you’d prefer to lock in a time, you can book an appointment online through the patient portal. TB skin test patients need to plan for the return visit 48 to 72 hours after the initial injection, so keep your schedule open for that second appointment.

CityHealth is closed on US federal holidays at both locations. If your deadline is tight, plan around those dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a TB test cost without insurance?

At CityHealth in San Leandro, self-pay urgent care visits start at $145. That covers the clinical visit, including TB testing. There are no hidden fees or separate facility charges. If you’re comparing costs across clinics, make sure you’re comparing the full visit cost, not just a quoted test fee that may not include the physician assessment required to administer and interpret the result.

How much is a TB test with Medi-Cal?

TB testing is a covered preventive service under Medi-Cal, which means your out-of-pocket cost is typically $0. CityHealth accepts Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance at the San Leandro location. Bring your insurance card to your visit and the front desk will verify your coverage before you’re seen.

How long does it take to get TB test results?

It depends on the test type. A TB skin test (Mantoux/PPD) requires two visits: the injection and then a reading appointment 48 to 72 hours later, at which point results are available immediately. A TB blood test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold/IGRA) requires only one visit, and results typically return from the lab within 2 to 5 business days. If you need results urgently, ask the clinic which timeline fits your deadline.

Do I need an appointment for a TB test at CityHealth?

No appointment is required. CityHealth San Leandro accepts walk-ins for TB testing seven days a week during regular hours. If you prefer to schedule a specific time, you can book online at care.cityhealth.com. Either way, plan for the return visit if you’re getting a skin test, since the 48 to 72 hour reading appointment is a required part of the process.

What is the difference between a TB skin test and a TB blood test?

A TB skin test (TST/Mantoux) involves a small injection under the forearm skin and requires a follow-up visit 48 to 72 hours later for a clinician to read the result. A TB blood test (IGRA/QuantiFERON-TB Gold) is a single-visit blood draw with lab results in a few days. The blood test is preferred for people who received the BCG vaccine, since BCG can cause false positives on skin tests. Both are widely accepted by employers and schools in California, but check your specific documentation requirements before choosing.

Bottom Line

TB testing costs depend on your insurance and which test you need, but the answer is rarely “it’s complicated.” If you have coverage, including Medi-Cal, you’re likely paying little to nothing. If you’re self-pay, CityHealth’s transparent pricing starts at $145, and you leave with documentation in hand. No referral, no scheduling runaround, no waiting weeks for a primary care appointment.

CityHealth San Leandro is open seven days a week for walk-in TB testing. If your employer, school, or healthcare credential requires a result, come in, get it done, and move on. Learn more about TB testing at CityHealth or call (510) 984-2489 with questions.