A TB skin test in Mesa, AZ, also called a PPD or Mantoux test, places a small amount of tuberculin under the skin of your forearm, then a trained reader checks the reaction 48 to 72 hours later.
How It Works
We don't place TB skin tests on Thursdays, since the reading would fall on a weekend.
Quick Placement
Return for PPD Reading in 24-48 Hours
Reading & Documented Results Sent
How Is a TB Skin Test Done?
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A small amount of tuberculin (PPD) is injected just under the skin of your inner forearm
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It makes a small, pale bump that fades within minutes
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You'll return 48 to 72 hours later for a trained staff member to read it
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The reading is included in your $35, with no separate fee
Both mean the same TB skin test
It's called a PPD test (for the purified protein derivative used) or a Mantoux test (the name of the method).
When Is a TB Skin Test Read?
Your test must be read 48 to 72 hours after it's placed, by a trained health care worker, not by you.
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Read too early or too late, and it doesn't count. A negative test not read within 72 hours has to be repeated
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That's why we schedule your reading before you leave, and why we don't place tests on Thursdays
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Your result is read and documented at your return visit,the same-day
What Does a Positive or Negative TB Skin Test Look Like?
Redness doesn't decide your result. The reader measures induration, the firm, raised swelling under the skin, in millimeters.
A red spot with no firm bump is usually negative.
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Negative: no firm swelling, or swelling below the cutoff. Some redness is normal
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Positive: firm swelling at or above the cutoff, which depends on your risk:
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5 mm for people at the highest risk, like recent close contact with TB
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10 mm for healthcare workers and others with higher-risk exposure
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15 mm for people with no known risk factors
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Never try to read your own test. If yours is positive, the next step is a chest X-ray, and we'll refer you to the health department.
Why Mesa Trusts Quick Test Health Services®
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Affordable pricing with the reading included, no separate fee
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Walk in or book online, no insurance is needed
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Reading scheduled before you leave, so your test counts
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Documented results with the test date and measurement
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Locally owned in East Mesa
Can a TB Skin Test Make You Sick, Itchy, or Bruised?
Most people have no reaction beyond a small bump. Mild, normal reactions include:
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Itching at the spot (try not to scratch)
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A small bruise from the needle
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Redness or mild swelling that fades
A TB skin test doesn't contain live bacteria, so it can't give you TB or make you sick with it. A severe allergic reaction is rare.
If you have hives, trouble breathing, or blistering, get medical care right away and tell us before your reading.
Common Questions
Can a TB skin test be wrong? Yes. The BCG vaccine, common outside the U.S., can cause a false positive. If you've had it, the QuantiFERON blood test is the better choice.
Can I shower after a TB skin test? Yes. You can shower and wash normally. Just don't scratch the spot, cover it with a bandage, or put lotion on it before your reading.
What if I miss my reading? If you can't return within 72 hours, the test has to be repeated. Call us if you're running late.