The cost of a tuberculosis (TB) test for individuals without health insurance is highly variable, making a fixed price difficult to determine. A TB test is a screening tool used to detect exposure to the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes the disease. The final price you pay out-of-pocket is influenced significantly by the specific testing method used and the type of facility where the test is administered. This variability means the price can range from nearly free at certain public health services to over $350 at some private clinics.
Cost Differences Based on TB Test Type
The method chosen for screening is the primary factor driving the overall cost of a TB test without insurance. The two main options are the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA). The TST, often called the PPD test, is generally the most cost-effective initial screening option, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $90 for the administration. This test involves a healthcare professional injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) just under the skin on the forearm.
The simplicity of the PPD test accounts for its lower initial price point, but it requires a mandatory follow-up visit 48 to 72 hours later for a trained professional to read the reaction. If the administrative fee for this second visit is billed separately, the total out-of-pocket cost can increase unexpectedly.
The other method, the IGRA, is a blood test that is significantly more expensive but requires only a single visit. IGRA tests, such as QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus, measure the immune system’s release of interferon-gamma in response to TB proteins.
These blood tests typically cost between $100 and $350 without insurance, depending on the lab and facility. While the IGRA has a higher sticker price, it can be more convenient for the patient and eliminates the need to return for a reading. The IGRA is also often preferred for individuals who have received the BCG vaccine, as it is less likely to produce a false-positive result.
How Testing Location Impacts the Price
The facility where you receive the test adds an administrative layer of cost that can dramatically alter the final bill. Public health clinics and local health departments are the most affordable options, often offering the PPD test for as low as $0 to $10, or using a sliding scale based on income. These locations are subsidized to promote public health, making them the best choice for those seeking the lowest expense.
Retail clinics, such as those found in pharmacies or independent walk-in clinics, represent a mid-range cost option. These centers often have transparent, fixed self-pay pricing for the PPD test, generally falling in the $40 to $75 range, sometimes with the reading included.
The highest prices for TB testing are typically found at primary care physician offices and urgent care centers. While some urgent care facilities offer competitive self-pay rates for a PPD test, sometimes around $50 to $75, the cost can quickly escalate if the facility charges a separate office visit fee on top of the test price. This facility fee can turn a relatively cheap test into an expensive encounter, especially if the physician recommends the more costly IGRA blood test, which may be priced at $100 to $350 or more in these settings.
Navigating Insurance Coverage and Self-Pay Options
Even for those who have insurance, the TB test is sometimes required for employment or school, which may not fall under the standard preventive care coverage. For the uninsured, exploring direct self-pay options can provide significant savings compared to standard medical billing rates. Many direct-to-consumer lab services and some urgent care facilities offer fixed, all-inclusive prices for the IGRA blood test, sometimes as low as $100 to $150, which bundles the lab order and the processing fee.
When opting for the PPD test, it is prudent to confirm whether the initial price covers both the injection and the required reading 48 to 72 hours later. Some clinics may bill the reading as a separate follow-up visit, which could incur a second charge or an additional administrative fee. Always ask for a “Good Faith Estimate” before the service to understand the total expected cost.
For those concerned about cost, specifically asking about cash discounts or sliding-scale payment plans at local health departments or community clinics can unlock the lowest pricing options. Understanding the full cost structure, including the potential for two separate charges for the PPD, allows for a more accurate budget when seeking a TB test without coverage.