TB test is not an expensive test but if you don’t have insurance coverage then the TB test will cost you a few extra bucks compared to if you have insurance coverage. Moreover, the cost of a TB test also depends widely on where you go and which test that you need. There are various types of tests that you might go through like PPD skin test, QuantiFERON blood test, chest x-rays, etc. So, without insurance coverage, the TB test might cost you between $110 – $130.
Key Takeaways
- TB stands for Tuberculosis and it is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and it mainly affects the lungs
- The TB bacteria are spread from person to person via coughs and sneezes
- There are two types of TB tests available: skin and blood test
- TB blood test is also known as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) and this test measures your response to TB antigens
- Without insurance, the TB skin test will cost $32 and the TB blood test will cost $71
What Is A TB Test?
TB test is a type of test for screening for tuberculosis and for tuberculosis diagnosis. There are two types of TB tests available, they are – skin and blood tests. Usually, doctors ask for a skin or blood test to see if you may have tuberculosis. Depending on the result, you might need other tests.
Types Of TB Tests
We already know that TB tests are available in two types: skin Tb test and blood test. Let’s know more about these two tests.
TB Skin Test
Nowadays, many people don’t show any symptoms related to TB. So, according to the doctors, these people have latent TB. The TB skin test is known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test and it is the most common way doctors diagnose tuberculosis. The Tb skin test has two parts. In the first part, you have to place the test and the second visit is for the doctor to read the results. When you visit the doctor, the doctor will inject a tiny amount of fluid called tuberculin just below the skin in your forearm. After 48 to 72 hours from the injection, you are required to return to the doctor to get the results checked.
If you have a raised, hard bump or there’s swelling on your arm then you have tested positive for the TB. It means that the TB germs are in your body. However, having TB germs in your body doesn’t always mean you have active tuberculosis disease. The doctor might ask you to go through some more tests to become 100% sure. The additional tests you might have to go through are blood tests or an X-ray of your chest. You might have to test your sputum. Moreover, the urine or tissue samples can also tell your doctor if the TB germs have begun to spread, or become “active.”
On the other hand, if you don’t have any reaction after 72 hours then your TB test is negative. It means you don’t have TB germs in your body. However, if you have been infected recently then your immune system might not react to the skin test yet. In this type of situation, your doctor might ask you to do another TB skin test in 8 to 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 immune system to make antibodies. In this test, your blood will get drawn and sent to a laboratory for blood analysis. Blood tests have been approved by the FDA. If your blood test result is positive then you are infected with TB bacteria. On the other hand, if the result is negative then you don’t contain any traces of TB infection. If you have recently received a TB vaccine then it is recommended that you take a blood test.
TB Test Cost with And Without Insurance
Without insurance, the TB skin test will cost $32. On the other hand, the TB blood test will cost $71. Most clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities provide these tests. Insurance companies usually cover TB skin test costs by copay after meeting the yearly deductible. On the other hand, a TB blood test requires you to send the blood sample to a laboratory approved by the insurance provider. Therefore, make sure you check with your insurance provider and see whether they provide coverage for Tb tests.
TB Skin Test Price List
| 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 |
Blood Test Price List
| Test Name | Price |
| MMR Immunity Panel (measles, mumps, and rubella) | $98 |
| Measles (only) or Mumps (only) or Rubella (only) | $49 |
| Hepatitis B Panel (HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb) | $98 |
| Hepatitis B Immunity (HBsAb only) | $49 |
| Hepatitis B Infection (HBsAg only) | $49 |
| Hepatitis A Immunity (HAV-Ab) | $49 |
| Hepatitis C Screen (HCV-Ab) | $49 |
| Rabies Immunity | $125 |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) Immunity | $49 |
| QuantiFERON TB-Gold In-Tube (tuberculosis blood test) | $77 |
| Venipuncture (blood drawing) fee | $29 |
Signs & Symptoms Of TB
The symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. Usually, the TB bacteria grow in the lungs and the common symptoms are –
1. A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
2. Pain in the chest
3. Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
Other symptoms of TB disease are –
1. Weakness or fatigue
2. Weight loss
3. No appetite
4. Chills
5. Fever
6. Sweating at night
Who Should Be Tested For TB?
If you are at high risk of getting TB then you should be tested for TB. Below are some reasons people must take the TB test –
1. Spend time with people who have TB
2. Have TB symptoms like cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss
3. Have diseases that weaken the immune system like HIV
4. Have lived in or visited a country where TB is common
5. Use illegal drugs
FAQs About TB Test Cost Without Insurance In USA (Chart With Details)
What Does A Negative TB Test Mean?
A negative TB test means you do not have TB. If you have done the TB skin test and if there is a bump or very small bump at the injection site then it means your test result is negative and you don’t have TB.
What Does A Positive TB Test Mean?
A positive result of your TB test means you probably have TB germs in your body. If your TB blood test result is positive then you might have latent TB infection. To become sure, your doctor might ask you to take some additional tests to see if you have latent TB infection or active TB disease.
When Should I Get Tested For TB?
If you have symptoms of Tb then you should immediately take the TB test. if you have symptoms of an active TB infection then you should take the TB blood test. Usually, the symptoms of an active TB infection are a cough that lasts for three weeks or more, coughing up blood, etc.
How Much Does A TB Test Cost At CVS?
The cost of a TB test at CVS is $20. You don’t need an appointment for the test. You will find the result within 48 – 72 hours after the test has been administered.
Does Medicare Cover TB Tests?
Medicare will only cover your TB test if it is performed in a lab that satisfies Medicare requirements. Therefore, consult with Medicare before taking your TB test.
References:
1. https://theartofinsurance.org/tb-test-cost-insurance/
2. https://campinghiking.net/insurance/how-much-is-a-tb-test-without-insurance/
Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Magalie D.
Magalie D. is a Diploma holder in Public Administration & Management from McGill University of Canada. She shares management tips here in MGTBlog when she has nothing to do and gets some free time after working in a multinational company at Toronto.
