TB Testing in Charlotte
TB testing in Charlotte at our Steele Creek and Plaza Midwood clinics, open 7 days, including weekends. Get a TB skin test (PPD) for $90 self-pay, which covers both visits, or a QuantiFERON TB blood test for $145 at either clinic. Blood test results usually return in 2–4 days; laboratory timing can vary. Chest X-ray is available at Steele Creek. Walk in or reserve an arrival time. Wait times vary.
- ✓ TB skin test (PPD): $90 self-pay for placement and the read 48-72 hours later
- ✓ QuantiFERON TB blood test: $145, one visit, results usually in 2–4 days; lab timing can vary
- ✓ Skin and blood tests at both clinics; chest X-ray at Steele Creek
- ✓ For jobs, healthcare work, school and personal records
- ✓ Employers with an account are billed directly
Save my spotEmployers: set up an account
¿Necesita una prueba de tuberculosis? Venga sin cita o haga una reservación. La prueba cutánea (PPD) cuesta $90 e incluye las dos visitas.
Which TB test do you need?
Many jobs and schools accept either test. Check your form first, because some require a specific one.
| TB skin test (PPD) | TB blood test (QuantiFERON) | |
|---|---|---|
| Self-pay price | $90, both visits included | $145, no provider visit needed |
| Where | Both clinics | Both clinics |
| Visits | 2: placement, then the read | 1: a blood draw |
| Results | At the read, 48-72 hours later | Usually 2–4 days |
| Good to know | You must come back on time for the read | Prior BCG vaccine doesn’t affect it |
How the TB skin test (PPD) works
People often call the TB skin test a “TB shot.” It is a screening test, not a vaccine, and is also called a PPD or Mantoux test.
Before your TB test
- Had a live vaccine, like MMR or chickenpox, recently? Tell us before testing. A TB skin or blood test should generally be done the same day as a live-virus vaccine or at least one month later, because live vaccines can affect results.
- Pregnant? The TB skin test is safe during pregnancy.
- Had a TB test before? Bring the result, and tell us about a prior positive test, TB treatment or BCG vaccination. People with documented prior positive results generally should not repeat skin or blood testing; evaluation is individualized.
- Planning around a weekend? Confirm a return time within exactly 48–72 hours of placement while the clinic is open. Depending on the placement time, a Friday test may be read Sunday or Monday.
How we read your TB skin test
At the read visit, a provider feels for a firm, raised bump where the test was placed and measures it in millimeters. Redness alone doesn’t count. Whether a bump counts as positive depends on its size and your risk factors, and the provider explains your result before you leave.
Two-step testing: Some baseline healthcare-worker screening uses two skin tests, not just the placement and reading of one test. If the first is negative, a second test is generally placed 1–3 weeks after the first is read. Bring your requirements and ask about the schedule and additional cost; the $90 offer covers one placement and its reading.
TB blood test (QuantiFERON)
The QuantiFERON TB Gold blood test, also called an IGRA, needs just one blood draw. A routine blood draw does not need a skin-test reading visit; results usually return in 2–4 days, but laboratory delays or follow-up testing may occur. It costs $145 self-pay, without a provider visit.
- Good if you can’t come back for a skin test read
- Not affected by a past BCG vaccine
Chest X-ray for TB
Some employers require a chest X-ray, and it’s the usual next step after a positive skin or blood test. We do chest X-rays at our Steele Creek clinic, with radiologist review; turnaround varies. Learn more about our on-site X-ray.
What if my TB test is positive?
A positive skin or blood test usually indicates TB infection but does not distinguish inactive (latent) infection from active disease. A clinician evaluates symptoms, exposure history and chest imaging, and may order sputum tests or arrange public-health follow-up. A negative test does not rule out disease in someone with symptoms or recent exposure; additional or repeat testing may be needed.
TB testing for employers and healthcare workers
Healthcare employers, schools and many other workplaces require TB testing before someone starts. Many healthcare employers also add a pre-employment physical and a drug screen, which may be coordinated in one visit depending on requirements and availability. For employer-authorized services covered by an established account, we bill the employer directly. Confirm which services your employer authorizes before the visit.
Employers: if you’d like to set up TB testing for your team, let us know. Patients are always welcome to walk in or book an appointment.
What to bring
- A photo ID
- Your job or school form, if you have one
- Your last TB test result, if you have it
- A photo ID
- Your employer’s authorization
- Your job’s form, if they gave you one
More services for Charlotte employers
- Pre-employment physicals: our standard exam plus your job’s requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing: timing depends on the test and whether laboratory confirmation is needed
- DOT physicals: FMCSA-certified examiners at both clinics
- All occupational health services: one account for all of your employee health needs
Related services
Pre-employment physicalsX-ray (Steele Creek)Drug and alcohol testingOccupational healthLabs and blood work
Further reading: CDC TB skin testing and CDC TB blood testing.
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