Tuberculosis Tests (PPD)

Tuberculosis skin tests (also known as PPD or TST) screenings are required of healthcare providers and available to the general public. For Healthcare Providers an initial 2-step screening is required, with annual 1-step screening thereafter. 

What is 2 step screening?

2-step PPD requires 4 appointments within a 3-week time period 

• Step 1:
  • Administer first PPD test
  • Present to clinic for read result within 48-72 hours
• Step 2:
  • Administer second test 1-3 weeks after step 1 result
  • Present to clinic for read result within 48-72 hours

 

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More information: 

CDC - Tuberculosis Testing and Diagnosis

Tuberculosis: General Information

Tuberculin Skin Testing

 

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TB Blood Tests
What is an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA)?

An IGRA is a blood test that can determine if a person has been infected with TB bacteria. An IGRA measures how strong a person’s immune system reacts to TB bacteria by testing the person’s blood in a laboratory. Two IGRAs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are available in the United States:

QuantiFERON®–TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT–GIT)
T–SPOT®.TB test (T–Spot)