How much does a TB test cost in the US?
Asked by: Jacquelyn Kihn | Last update: July 12, 2026Score: 5/5 (19 votes)
A TB test in the US costs between $ ๐ ๐ and $ ๐ ๐ ๐ for a skin test and $ ๐ ๐ ๐ to $ ๐ ๐ ๐ for a blood test without insurance. If you have health insurance, these tests are often fully covered as preventive care.
How much does a TB blood test cost in the US?
On MDsave, the cost of a TB Blood Test ranges from $66 to $244. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how MDsave works.
Can I just walk into CVS for a TB test?
Select a location Enter a ZIP code or city, then select a location. Walk-ins welcome โ no appointment necessary!
Can I get a TB test at Walgreens?
Walgreens offers TB testing at select locations. Go to Walgreens.com or use the Walgreens App and select Find Care to find a site near you. TB Control Offices located in various cities, states and territories, and primary and urgent care clinics in your area may also offer TB testing. Published November 2020.
Why is a TB test so expensive?
TB tests are expensive primarily because of the type of test being used. While traditional TB skin tests are cheap but require multiple clinic visits, advanced TB blood tests (IGRAs) have a higher upfront cost due to specialized lab processing, complex handling requirements, and the cost of the reagents themselves.
5 Things to Know About TB
Will insurance pay for a TB blood test?
Many private insurance plans cover TB testing as part of preventive care or diagnostic services. It's important to review your insurance benefits, including co-pays and deductibles, to understand what's covered.
What are 5 signs of tuberculosis?
Common symptoms include:
- a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks โ you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in it.
- feeling tired or exhausted.
- a high temperature or night sweats.
- loss of appetite.
- weight loss.
- feeling generally unwell.
How much does a TB blood test cost at LabCorp?
A Labcorp OnDemand Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test typically costs $149. This self-ordered, convenient, and confidential test screens for TB infection using a blood sample to look for immune system reactions to the bacteria, with results usually available in 2-5 days.
How long do TB test results take?
TB skin test results require a return visit 48 to 72 hours after the injection to be read by a health professional. If the results are not read within this 72-hour window, the test is invalid, and a new test must be administered.
Does GoodRx cover TB tests?
GoodRx Care can order certain lab tests for you, including pregnancy, pre-diabetes, and tuberculosis tests. They will send the lab order to a lab in your area of your choosing, and they will also cover the cost of testing.
How many years is a TB test good for?
TB tests (skin or blood) are generally considered valid for one year (12 months) for most employment, school, or volunteer requirements. However, validity varies: healthcare personnel may need annual screening, while others might only need testing once, and some specific, high-risk, or travel-related scenarios may require tests within 6 months.
How much is it to get tested at CVS?
Getting tested
CVS Pharmacy: Testing is $29.99 at the drive-thru. MinuteClinic: An in-person visit includes a full evaluation by a licensed provider.
Are QuantiFERON and TB test the same?
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT) is generally superior to the traditional Tuberculin Skin Test (TST/PPD) due to higher accuracy, fewer false positives (especially in BCG-vaccinated individuals), and requiring only one patient visit. While TST is cheaper and requires no blood draw, it often requires a follow-up visit for interpretation.
Can TB be 100% cured?
TB is curable and preventable. Multidrug- resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis and a health security threat. Only about 2 in 5 people with drug resistant TB accessed treatment in 2022.
Can CVS do a TB screening?
Provide a wide range of wellness services, including sports and camp physicals, health screenings, TB testing, a weight loss program, and the Start to Stopยฎ smoking cessation program. Offer routine lab tests, instant results and education for those with diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
What happens if a TB test is positive?
A positive TB test (skin or blood) indicates you have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but it cannot differentiate between latent TB infection and active TB disease. You will need further diagnostic testsโtypically a chest X-rayโto determine if the infection is active, followed by medication if necessary to treat or prevent the disease.
Which organ is most affected in TB?
The primary organ infected during tuberculosis (TB) is the lungs. As an airborne disease, Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are typically inhaled, making the lungs the initial site of infection in about 79%โ87% of active cases. While they mainly affect the lungs, TB can spread to other organs.
How much does a sputum test cost?
Procedure Details
On MDsave, the cost of a Sputum Culture ranges from $14 to $72. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how MDsave works.
What to do before getting a TB test?
Generally, no special preparation is required for a TB skin test (PPD), but you must be able to return to the clinic 48โ72 hours later to have it read. Inform your doctor if you have had a positive test before, a BCG vaccine, or recent live virus vaccines (e.g., MMR) within the last 4-6 weeks.
Can I do a walk-in TB test at Labcorp?
Important. This test is a nasal swab and requires an order from Labcorp OnDemand before you arrive. You must be symptom free and have had no recent exposure to COVID-19 for this test. This test cannot be performed on an order from a doctor or other healthcare provider.
Do you pay upfront at Labcorp?
Labcorp OnDemand
Simply choose your test online, pay upfront, and provide your sample either at home or at a Labcorp location. Results are delivered securely to your Labcorp Patientโข portal account.
What is the main cause of tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This germ is spread through the air from person to person, usually affecting the lungs (pulmonary TB), when an individual with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, releasing droplets containing the bacteria.
Can I kiss a person with TB?
Yes, you can generally kiss someone with tuberculosis (TB) without contracting the disease. TB is not spread by kissing, sharing food, or touching surfaces, but rather by inhaling bacteria from the air when a person with active, untreated pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, or sneezes.
Who is most at risk for TB?
People most at risk for developing Tuberculosis (TB) disease are those with weakened immune systemsโspecifically individuals living with HIVโand those with close contact to someone with active TB. Other high-risk groups include people with diabetes, those with severe lung damage (silicosis), residents of crowded facilities, and recent immigrants from high-burden areas.