Understanding TB Tests: 1-Step, 2-Step, and QuantiFERON-TB Gold
- Feb 1, 2025
- 6 min read
If you’ve been told you need a TB test, you might be wondering what it is, why you need it, and what your options are. At Quick Test Health Services in Mesa, AZ, we’re here to help you understand everything about TB testing. Whether you need a 1-step TB test, a 2-step TB test, or the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it all down in simple terms so you can feel confident about your next steps.
What is TB?
TB stands for tuberculosis, a serious disease that usually affects the lungs. It spreads through the. Need a TB test in Mesa? Quick Test Health Services offers all three options — the 1-step and 2-step TB skin tests (PPD) and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test — with walk-in, same-day testing and no doctor's order required. Blood-test results return in 24–48 hours, and our team helps you pick the right test.
If you've been told you need a TB test, you might be wondering what it is, why you need it, and what your options are. Below, we break it down in plain terms so you can feel confident about your next steps — and book TB testing in Mesa when you're ready.
What is TB, and why might you need a test?
TB stands for tuberculosis, a serious disease that usually affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when someone with TB coughs, sneezes, or talks. While TB isn't as common as it once was, testing is still important if you're at risk — and many jobs and schools require it.
A TB test simply checks whether you've been exposed to the bacteria that cause TB. According to the CDC's guidance on testing for tuberculosis, testing is recommended for people at increased risk of infection.
Who needs a TB test?
Not everyone needs a TB test, but certain people should get tested to stay safe. You may need one if you are:
A healthcare worker in a hospital, care facility, or nursing home, where regular TB testing is often required
A teacher or school staff member, since schools commonly require TB tests
A traveler returning from a country where TB is common
Someone with a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV or diabetes
A close contact of someone diagnosed with TB
If you're in Mesa and think you might need a test, Quick Test Health Services offers fast, accurate, and convenient TB screenings.
What are the types of TB tests?
There are three main TB tests, and we offer all three. The two skin tests (1-step and 2-step) use a small injection that must be read 48–72 hours later, while the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test uses a single blood draw with no return reading.
The 1-step test is the simplest option. A small amount of fluid called tuberculin is injected just under the skin of your arm. You return in 48–72 hours so a team member can check the injection site — if a raised bump forms, it may mean you've been exposed to TB.
It's best for first-time testers or anyone who needs a quick, single skin test. The trade-off: you have to come back for the reading, and a skin test can't distinguish a past exposure from a current one.
The 2-step test is more thorough and is often required for healthcare workers or anyone who hasn't been tested in the past year. You get the first injection and return in 48–72 hours for the reading. If that result is negative, you receive a second injection 1–3 weeks later and return again 48–72 hours after that for the final reading.
It's more accurate for people who need regular testing because it helps rule out false negatives — but it requires multiple visits.
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is a newer, more advanced option that uses a single blood draw — no return visit for a reading. Your sample is sent to an accredited reference lab, and results are typically ready in 24–48 hours. The CDC notes that TB blood tests are the preferred method for many people, including those who received the BCG vaccine.
It's ideal if you want accurate results without coming back to have your arm checked. The trade-off: it requires a blood draw, which some people prefer to avoid.
Which TB test is right for you?
The best test depends on your situation. As a quick guide: the 1-step test suits first-time testers who need a simple option; the 2-step test is ideal for healthcare workers and others who need regular testing; and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test is perfect if you want accurate results in 24–48 hours without a return visit.
Not sure which one your employer or school requires? Our team can help you choose when you arrive, or you can book your TB test online ahead of time.
When can I get a TB skin test (PPD)?
We offer same-day TB testing — walk in and get your skin-test injection or QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood draw on the same visit. Please note: we do not administer TB skin tests (PPD) on Thursdays.
Here's why that matters for planning: a skin test must be read 48–72 hours after the injection, and we're closed on weekends. Scheduling your PPD injection Monday through Friday ensures you can return for your reading on time. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test has no Thursday restriction, since it only requires a single visit.
What happens after your TB test?
A negative result means you probably haven't been infected with TB; you may need to test again later if you remain at risk. A positive result means you've likely been exposed — but this doesn't always mean you're sick. You'll need follow-up evaluation, such as a chest X-ray, to check for active TB disease.
If active TB is found, it's treatable. TB can be cured with medication, and most people recover completely with proper care.
Why choose Quick Test Health Services for TB testing in Mesa?
People across Mesa and the East Valley choose us because we make TB testing simple and stress-free:
Same-day, walk-in testing — no appointment needed
All three test types in one location, with help choosing the right one
Fast turnaround — QuantiFERON-TB Gold results typically in 24–48 hours
Transparent, upfront pricing with no insurance hassle
Friendly, experienced staff who make the process easy
Ready to get tested? Schedule your TB test in Mesa or walk in during business hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's order for a TB test in Mesa? No. At Quick Test Health Services in Mesa, you don't need a doctor's order or insurance to get a TB test. You can walk in for a 1-step or 2-step skin test or a QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test, and our team will help you choose the right option for your job or school.
How long do TB test results take? For the skin test (PPD), you return 48–72 hours after the injection so a team member can read the result in person. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test requires only one visit, and results are typically ready in 24–48 hours.
Can I get a TB skin test on a Thursday? No. We do not administer TB skin tests (PPD) on Thursdays. Because a skin test must be read 48–72 hours later and we're closed on weekends, we schedule skin tests Monday through Wednesday. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test is available any business day.
Which TB test do I need for my job? Many healthcare employers require a 2-step skin test or a QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test, while schools often accept a 1-step test. Check your employer's requirements, and our team can help confirm the right option when you arrive at our Mesa location.
Do I need an appointment for a TB test? No appointment is required. You can walk in for same-day TB testing during business hours, or book online ahead of time. Most visits are quick, and our staff will guide you through whichever test you need.
Visit Quick Test Health Services
Quick Test Health Services 7165 E. University Dr, Suite 155, Mesa, AZ 85207 (602) 428-4557 Monday–Friday, 7 AM–5 PM · Closed Saturday & Sunday Learn more: www.quicktestservices.com
Affordable, walk-in TB testing without the insurance hassle — that's healthcare on your schedule. Book your TB test online or walk in today. air when someone with TB coughs, sneezes, or talks. While TB isn’t as common as it used to be, it’s still important to get tested if you’re at risk. That’s where TB screenings come in.
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