The TB blood test, known as an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), is a laboratory tool used to determine if a person has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The assay, which includes brands like QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus, measures the immune system’s specific response to TB-related proteins in a blood sample. It primarily screens for latent TB infection, where the bacteria are present but remain inactive and do not cause symptoms. Unlike the older skin test, the IGRA is a single-visit procedure that is not affected by prior Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination.
Direct Cost Estimates for the TB Blood Test
The billed amount for a TB blood test varies widely across the United States depending on the healthcare setting. Charges through a large hospital outpatient department typically range from $250 to over $350, reflecting higher overhead and administrative costs. Tests performed at smaller private clinics or a primary care physician’s office usually fall into a billed range of $150 to $300 without insurance coverage.
Commercial laboratories, such as Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp, often provide a lower self-pay price for the QuantiFERON test when purchased directly by the patient. These cash prices frequently hover around $135 to $150, which is significantly lower than the amount billed to an insurance company. Local public health departments represent the most affordable option, sometimes charging a minimal administrative fee or a flat rate as low as $56 to $103. These figures represent the initial reported price and may not reflect the final amount a patient will pay after insurance or discounts.
Factors Influencing the Final Price
Differences in the cost of the TB blood test are influenced by multiple variables. The type of facility where the blood is drawn and processed is a major factor; large, integrated health systems incur higher overhead costs compared to independent laboratories. Geographic location also plays a role, as the cost of living and regional competition in metropolitan areas typically result in higher prices than those found in rural settings.
A significant difference exists between the list price of the test and the rate that insurance companies actually pay. Insurance payers negotiate specific, discounted reimbursement rates with providers, meaning the “allowed amount” is often a fraction of the original billed charge. The complexity of the IGRA test, which involves specialized reagents and laboratory analysis to measure the release of interferon-gamma from immune cells, makes it more costly than the simple Tuberculin Skin Test (TST).
Insurance Coverage and Patient Out-of-Pocket Costs
Insurance coverage for the TB blood test is common, especially when the test is preventative or medically necessary for individuals at increased risk. Many private insurance plans and Medicaid expansion plans are required to cover screening for latent tuberculosis infection in at-risk adult populations with no cost-sharing. Medicare Part B typically covers the test when ordered by a physician and deemed appropriate based on clinical criteria.
A patient’s final out-of-pocket payment depends on their specific plan details. Patients with high-deductible plans may be required to pay the full negotiated rate until their annual deductible is met. Co-pays for laboratory services may also apply, adding to the immediate expense. Individuals who are uninsured or choose not to use their insurance can often benefit from self-pay discounts. This involves the provider charging a lower cash price that bypasses the complex insurance billing process, which can be substantially less than the full billed price.
When and Where to Get Tested
The TB blood test is commonly required for logistical purposes, such as mandatory health screenings for specific professional or personal circumstances. Testing is frequently mandated for new employees in healthcare settings, students entering clinical programs, or individuals undergoing the immigration process. Clinicians also recommend the test for people with known exposure to active TB, those from countries with high TB rates, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
The test can be accessed at several types of facilities. Primary care physician offices and urgent care clinics are common locations for ordering the IGRA and drawing the blood sample. Commercial laboratories, such as Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp, offer the test directly to the public and process the majority of the blood work. Local public health departments are another option, often providing the most affordable testing, especially for those who qualify for subsidized services.