Health Department

Tuberculosis

Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)

The Tuberculin Skin Test is a test to see if a person has been infected with TB bacteria.

A small amount of liquid (called tuberculin) is injected under the skin on the forearm. This produces a small bump that gradually disappears. The individual being tested must return in 48-72 hours to have the area checked for a reaction.

TST placement is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8-4 and must be read within 48-72 hours. No appointment is needed and the total cost is $25.

Almost anyone can be tested using this method, including infants, children, pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, and those who have had the BCG vaccine. People who have had a severe reaction to a previous TST should not receive another TST.

All positive reactions require further follow up with a physician.

What is TB and how is it spread?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is spread through the air from one person to another. When someone who is sick with TB coughs, speaks, laughs, sings, or sneezes, people nearby may breathe TB bacteria into their lungs. TB usually attacks the lungs but can also attack other parts of the body. Additional information is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site https://www.cdc.gov/tb/.

There are Three Classifications of TB

Latent TB Infection: This occurs when TB bacteria live in a person’s body but does not make them sick. They have no symptoms and they cannot spread TB bacteria to others.

TB Disease or Active TB: People with TB disease feel sick and can spread TB bacteria to others. Symptoms include fever, night sweats, prolonged cough, and weight loss. Individuals who have Latent TB can go on to develop TB disease.

Presumptive TB: Refers to a patient who presents with symptoms or signs suggestive of TB.

Both Latent and Active TB must be reported to the Indiana State Department of Health.

For more information or for forms to report a TB case, visit: https://www.in.gov/isdh/19662.htm.

You may also call the Boone County Health Department at 765-482-3942 option 5