Tuberculosis (TB) testing identifies individuals exposed to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Finding a free or low-cost test is highly accessible across the United States. These resources ensure that financial barriers do not prevent necessary screening. No-cost testing is primarily concentrated within two main networks: government-funded public health departments and non-profit community health centers.
Primary Public Health Resources
Local and county health departments are the most reliable initial resource for obtaining free TB screening. These government-funded clinics provide testing and treatment, particularly for individuals considered high-risk. This high-risk group includes those in close contact with a person diagnosed with active TB disease, or individuals recently immigrated from countries where TB is widespread.
Services are frequently provided at no cost or on a highly subsidized sliding fee scale based on income. To locate the nearest resource, search your county or state health department website for “Tuberculosis Control Program” or “Public Health Clinic” information.
Community Health Centers and Non-Profit Clinics
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) represent a crucial alternative for accessible testing. These are non-profit, community-based organizations that receive federal grants to deliver comprehensive primary care services in underserved areas. FQHCs must offer services on a sliding fee scale, which adjusts the cost according to a patient’s income and family size.
This sliding scale often results in a nominal fee or a $0 charge for low-income individuals. Searching for “FQHC near me” or a “community clinic with a sliding fee scale” is an effective way to find these locations. TB screening and treatment are standard offerings within their preventive services portfolio.
Navigating Eligibility and Test Procedures
Whether a test is truly “free” depends on eligibility criteria, such as meeting income requirements or being identified as a high-risk contact. It also depends on the type of test administered, as clinics typically utilize one of two methods.
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
The Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), or Mantoux test, is the less expensive option. It involves an injection of purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin. The TST is the most common test offered at no charge, especially in public health settings.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA)
The Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a blood test that requires laboratory analysis. The IGRA is often preferred for individuals who have received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, as it is less likely to produce a false-positive result. Although the IGRA is more accurate and only requires one visit, it is significantly more costly than the TST.
What to Expect After Testing
The procedure and follow-up differ depending on which test is administered. The TST requires two separate visits: the first for the injection and a mandatory return visit 48 to 72 hours later for examination. The blood-based IGRA only requires a single visit to draw the sample, with results typically processed within a few days.
If the test result indicates a positive reaction, it signifies that the person has been exposed to the TB bacteria, but it does not confirm active disease. The next step is a follow-up evaluation, which usually includes a chest X-ray and possibly a sputum sample. For latent TB infection, public health resources often provide the full course of preventive treatment at no or minimal cost.