Mason County Health Department offers Mantoux tuberculin skin testing (TST) for individuals who need tuberculosis (TB) screening for employment, school, healthcare programs, volunteer activities, or other requirements. A Mantoux skin test is a simple test used to determine whether a person has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
The TB skin test requires two visits. At the first visit, a small amount of tuberculin is injected just under the skin of the forearm. At the second visit, 2-3 days later, a healthcare professional then checks the injection site for a reaction.
TB tests are available:
Monday & Tuesday only, 7-11:30 am and 1-4 pm.
No appointment is required.
The cost is $25 per step. TB testing may also be billed to insurance.
Two-Step TB Testing
Some employers, healthcare facilities, schools, or licensing programs require two-step TB testing. A two-step test involves two separate skin tests performed over a period of time. If you have been instructed to complete a two-step TB test, let our staff know when you arrive so we can help you understand the required schedule.
What to Bring
If you are being tested for a school, employer, healthcare program, or other organization, bring any required paperwork or forms with you. If you are using insurance, bring your insurance information.
About Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by bacteria that most commonly affects the lungs. TB can spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, speaks, or sings. A TB skin test does not diagnose active TB disease by itself. If a test has a positive result, additional evaluation may be needed to determine whether the person has a TB infection or active TB disease.
If you have questions about your test result or have symptoms that may be related to TB, contact your healthcare provider.