Urgent care centers provide accessible options for immediate medical needs, bridging the gap between primary care and emergency rooms. These facilities offer a convenient solution for health concerns that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Among their services, tuberculosis (TB) screening is a common offering, often required for various purposes.
TB Testing Availability at Urgent Care
Many urgent care centers offer TB testing, making them a common choice for individuals needing this service quickly. The most frequently administered test is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test or PPD test. This accessibility is beneficial for those who require TB screening for employment, school, or volunteer work, as many urgent care clinics accept walk-ins.
The availability of TB testing can vary by urgent care location and their on-site laboratory capabilities. However, many centers provide this service, often with extended hours, offering greater flexibility. Some urgent care facilities offer coordination with employers for billing, simplifying the process for individuals needing tests for occupational reasons.
Understanding the TB Test Process
When undergoing a Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) at an urgent care center, a healthcare provider injects a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) into your forearm. This intradermal injection creates a small, pale bump or wheal, typically 6 to 10 millimeters in diameter. Do not cover the site with a bandage or scratch it, as this could affect the results.
You must return to the urgent care clinic within 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days) to have the test site read. The provider will measure any firm, raised swelling (induration) at the injection site, not just redness, to determine the result. If there is no reaction, the test is considered negative, indicating no TB bacteria were detected.
The Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a blood test measuring the immune system’s response to TB antigens. While some urgent care centers offer IGRA tests, they are less commonly performed on-site compared to the TST and often require samples sent to an external laboratory. Results for IGRA tests are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, and they may be preferred for those who received the BCG vaccine, as it can cause false positives with the TST.
A positive TST or IGRA result indicates TB bacteria infection, but it does not differentiate between a latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. A positive result requires further evaluation, typically including a chest X-ray and possibly sputum tests, to determine if the infection is latent or active. If latent TB is confirmed, treatment usually involves a single medication, such as isoniazid, for several months to prevent progression to active disease. Active TB disease requires a more intensive combination of medications, usually four drugs, for a longer duration, often six months or more.