The cost of a tuberculosis (TB) test without insurance is complex because there is no single fixed price for the procedure. A TB test screens for infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes the disease. The total out-of-pocket expense is highly variable, depending on the specific type of test administered and the facility where the screening is performed. Understanding the different testing methods and locations is key to budgeting for this health screening.
Types of TB Tests and Their Associated Costs
The initial cost for TB screening is primarily dictated by whether a skin test or a blood test is used.
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
The Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), or PPD test, is generally the most affordable option for the uninsured. This test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin protein under the skin of the forearm. The price typically ranges from $20 to $75 when paying out-of-pocket. The TST requires a return visit 48 to 72 hours later for a professional to read the injection site for a reaction.
Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA)
The alternative is the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), a blood test often sold as QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus. IGRAs are more expensive because they require laboratory processing to measure the immune system’s reaction to the TB bacteria. For an uninsured patient, the cost can range widely from $30 at public clinics up to $350 or more at private labs or hospitals. This test requires only a single visit to draw blood, which can be more convenient.
Testing Locations and Price Variations
The choice of location is a major factor that determines the final cash price for a TB test.
Public Health Centers
Local public health departments and community health centers are often the most economical choice for people without insurance coverage. These facilities sometimes offer the TST for free or on a sliding fee scale based on income, with prices as low as $10 or $20.
Retail Clinics and Urgent Care
Retail clinics and urgent care centers provide a convenient, mid-range option for TB testing, but their prices are often fixed. A PPD test at a major retail clinic might be priced consistently around $50 to $90, which may or may not include the second visit for reading. These locations typically charge a separate facility fee or a provider consultation fee.
Private Offices and Hospitals
Private physician offices and hospital outpatient labs generally represent the highest cost tier for uninsured individuals. Their administrative overhead and facility fees can inflate the final bill substantially. An IGRA blood test is more likely to fall on the higher end of the $200 to $350 range in these settings. It is advisable to call ahead and specifically ask for the “self-pay” or “cash price” for the exact test needed.
Understanding Additional Fees and Next Steps
The quoted price for a TB screening is often only the beginning of the potential financial outlay, as several other charges can contribute to the final cost. For the Tuberculin Skin Test, the fee for the initial injection and the fee for the required follow-up reading after 48 to 72 hours are sometimes billed as two separate charges. Furthermore, many healthcare providers attach an administrative fee or a physician evaluation fee to the service, which covers the doctor’s time for ordering the test and reviewing the results.
A positive screening result, from either the TST or the IGRA, does not confirm active tuberculosis disease but indicates exposure to the bacteria. This outcome necessitates immediate follow-up diagnostic procedures to determine if the infection is latent or active, which adds significantly to the total cost. The most common next step is a chest X-ray, which is used to look for physical signs of active disease in the lungs.
For an uninsured patient, a chest X-ray can cost between $75 and $500, with the lowest prices typically found at independent imaging centers rather than hospital radiology departments. If the chest X-ray is also suggestive of active disease, a sputum sample may be required for culture to definitively isolate the bacteria. The uninsured cost for a sputum culture ranges from approximately $15 to $200. Individuals facing these subsequent costs may qualify for financial assistance through state-funded programs or non-profit organizations.