A TB test can be conducted in two ways; a skin test or a blood test. Without insurance, a skin test costs around $32, while a blood test costs around $71. You can get tested in virtually clinic, pharmacy, or hospital. Insurance companies cover the cost of TB tests with copays after you have met your annual deductible. However, these tests have to be conducted by laboratories approved by your insurance provider; if not, you will cover the cost out of pocket.
On this note, we would advise you to first check in with your insurer before getting tested to enable you to make plans within your coverage.
Cost Analysis Of TB Tests Without Insurance
| Test Name | Price |
| PPD Skin Test for TB (includes return visit for reading) | $49 |
| 2-Step PPD Skin Test for TB (includes return visits for readings) | $98 |
| QuantiFERON TB-Gold In-Tube (blood test) ($29 venipuncture fee additional) | $77 |
| TB Risk Assessment for School Employees and Volunteers (includes TB skin test and reading, if needed) | $49 |
Source: mgtblog
Types Of Tuberculosis Tests
A tuberculosis test is used to diagnose whether or not you have this disease. Doctors usually test for tuberculosis with a skin test or blood test.
Depending on your result, there may be a need to put you through further testing to determine whether you have tuberculosis.
Skin Test
Today people do not react to tuberculosis the same way they did in the past; many people do not show any symptoms of carrying the disease.
The TB skin test is called the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, and it is the most common way doctors diagnose the presence of TB in a patient.
The test is conducted in two parts; in the first part, the doctor injects a substance called tuberculin below the skin in your forearm. You are expected to return to the doctor in another 48 –72 hours for the doctor to tell you your results.
If you reacted to the injected substance, maybe a bump appeared where you were injected, or your arm swelled up; this means you tested positive to carrying TB germs. Note that testing positive to carrying these germs does not mean that the disease is active in your body.
No reaction means that you tested negative and do not carry TB germs in your body. However, if your doctor suspects this is a false negative, he will ask you to retake the test in another 8 – 10 weeks.
Blood Test
TB blood test is also known as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), and this test measures your response to TB antigens. TB antigens test your body’s ability to produce antibodies.
This test requires a doctor to draw some of your blood and send it to a laboratory for testing. If the test returns negative, there are no traces of TB in your system, but you have tuberculosis if it is positive.
If you have received a TB vaccine recently, it is recommended that you take a blood test.
Who Should Take A TB Test?
While there is no harm in checking your TB status regularly to know your status, the menial cost of doing so could rack up to a few hundred dollars.
We would advise you to go for a test when it is necessary. For example, it becomes necessary to get tested when you:
1. are exhibiting symptoms of TB such as cough, fever, weight loss, etc.
2. are in frequent contact with people who have TB
3. suffer from diseases that could predispose you to TB
4. live in areas with high TB infection rates
Note that the symptoms you experience will differ based on where the bacteria are growing. For example, while TB is known as a respiratory disease that primarily attacks the lungs, it can also target other parts of the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does My Insurance Cover The TB Test?
Your insurance provider best answers this question. For example, Medicare will only cover your TB test is conducted in a laboratory that meets the requirements.
Before you go for testing, contact your insurance provider to know whether you are covered or have to meet certain criteria to be covered.
Can I Test For TB At Home?
Yes, you can. Scientists have developed a way to test your tuberculosis status at home without assistance.
When Should I Get Tested For TB?
If you have experienced symptoms of tuberculosis, you should get tested for it. Symptoms include prolonged coughing, coughing blood, etc. Another suitable time to test for TB is when you have been in a high-risk area for TB infection.
How Does TB Spread?
TB is an airborne disease, spreading via the air we breathe. When a person with TB coughs or sneezes into the air, germs can linger there for several hours. Anyone who inhales this air could get infected with TB; this is called a latent infection.
What Is The Difference Between TB Disease And TB Infection?
Someone who has been infected with TB merely has the germs present in their body but are not suffering from their effects because the germs are inactive. They also cannot transmit the disease to anyone.
Someone who has TB disease has these germs in their body and suffers the effects of their presence because they are active. They can also transmit the disease to others. People with TB infection are usually treated to prevent the disease from developing in the future.
Conclusion
A TB test is necessary for anyone who has been exposed to someone with the disease or experienced symptoms associated with the disease. While the cost is not expensive, it can quickly rack up a few hundred dollars if you have them regularly. Having insurance can help you minimize these costs.
Our advice is to check in with your insurer to ensure you meet all criteria that will
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