Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most often affects the lungs, though it can invade other parts of the body. Because TB can spread from person to person when the infected individual coughs or sneezes, detecting it early is critical. TB testing helps identify whether someone has been exposed to TB bacteria, even if they show no signs of active disease.
When someone searches for “TB testing near me” or “tuberculosis testing locations,” they’re looking for a facility that can perform either a skin-based or blood-based screening to assess TB exposure. These tests are tools to guide further evaluation and, if needed, treatment.
Types of TB Tests
There are two common types of tests to detect TB infection: the TB skin test (also called the tuberculin skin test or Mantoux test) and the TB blood test, known as an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA).
In a TB skin test, a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected just beneath the skin, usually on the inner forearm. Within 48 to 72 hours, a healthcare provider examines the site. If a firm, raised area (induration) is present beyond a certain millimeter cutoff, this suggests a reaction. The size threshold considered "positive" depends on one’s risk factors. If the test is not read within 72 hours, it must be repeated.
The TB blood test (IGRA) requires drawing a blood sample and analyzing how immune cells in the sample respond to TB-specific proteins. Because it is not influenced by prior vaccination with BCG (a vaccine used in many countries), it is often preferred when someone has had the BCG vaccine. Results typically return faster and may be more specific in certain cases.
When Should You Get Tested?
You should consider TB testing if:
You have been in close contact with someone known to have active TB
You live or work in environments where TB exposure is more likely (such as clinics, shelters, prisons)
You have symptoms consistent with TB — such as a persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever
You are immunocompromised (e.g., living with HIV, on immune-suppressing therapy)
You are undergoing screening for employment or immigration requirements
A positive test indicates exposure or infection, but not necessarily active disease. If you test positive, health providers will often order a chest X-ray or sputum test to see whether the TB bacteria are active and infectious.
Finding TB Testing Locations
When you look up “TB testing near me,” you’re seeking labs, clinics, public health departments, or specialized testing centers that perform TB screening. Many community health centers, hospital outpatient clinics, and diagnostic laboratories offer TB skin or TB blood tests. Some walk-in clinics and occupational health services also provide TB testing.
To find a testing location, you can contact your local health authority or search for medical laboratories in your area. Be sure to ask whether they perform the skin test, blood (IGRA) test, or both. Also check their hours, appointment requirements, and any documentation you must bring.
Because TB testing is fundamental to disease control, reliable facilities exist in many regions. The important point is to locate a center you can reach conveniently and which offers the correct type of TB testing for your situation.
What to Expect During Testing
For the skin test, during your initial visit the healthcare provider will clean an area on your forearm, inject the PPD solution just under the skin, and often mark the site. You will return in two to three days to have the site read; the clinician measures the size of any raised area.
If you do a blood test, a phlebotomist draws a small blood sample, which is sent to a lab. You may feel a quick pinch during the draw, and results typically come in days rather than requiring multiple appointments.
Side effects are generally minimal. The skin injection may cause slight redness, swelling or tenderness at the site. Blood draw may lead to minor bruising. These are usually short-lived.
The Importance of Early Detection and Follow Up
Identifying TB infection early is key to preventing the progression to active disease and stopping the spread Tuberculosis Testing to others. Even people with latent (inactive) TB infection may receive treatment to reduce the risk of activation in the future.
If your test is positive, further assessments—such as chest imaging and sputum tests—help determine whether the TB bacteria are dormant or active. Treatment decisions rely on those results.
By seeking TB testing near me and using reputable diagnostic services, you take a vital step in protecting your health and your community. Prioritize getting tested at a trustworthy facility and follow up promptly with medical evaluation and care when needed.