by Wondering where to go for convenient, affordable tuberculosis (TB) screening? Your local CVS MinuteClinic has you covered. As part of CVS Pharmacy locations across the U.S., these walk-in medical clinics offer quick and easy access to TB skin testing.
Known as a tuberculin skin test (TST), this detects possible TB infection which can then be treated early before turning serious or contagious. At just $35 for the initial injection plus $30 for the mandatory reading 48-72 hours later, MinuteClinics provides cheap TB testing for $65 in total without insurance.
Compare that to urgent care centers charging nearly double! This blog post will break down everything to know about getting tested for TB at CVS MinuteClinic. You’ll learn all about what tuberculosis is, who should get screened, what the skin test involves, costs with and without coverage, accuracy tips, and more.
How Much is TB Test at CVS?
We’ll also look at CVS’ MinuteClinic services for other common health needs beyond just TB. So read on for the complete guide to accessible, affordable healthcare close to home through this innovative retail clinic model meeting vital public health needs!
TB Test Cost at CVS Breakdown:
- Initial TB skin test: $35
- Reading/consultation 48-72 hrs later: $30
- Total cost: $65
The $65 TB test cost is set according to the MinuteClinic price list. Your health insurance may cover all or part of this, depending on your plan. Without insurance, you can pay the full price in cash, with a card, or by check.
Adding other services like a physical exam could increase the final cost. However, the base cost for the TB skin test and reading is $65 at CVS MinuteClinics nationwide.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial lung infection. There are two categories:
- Latent TB Infection
Also called inactive TB. Bacteria are in the body but dormant, so there are no symptoms. Latent TB is not contagious. However, without treatment, it can develop into active TB later on.
- Active TB
TB bacteria multiply and attack the body, usually the lungs. This causes symptoms and can be transmitted through the air by coughing or sneezing. Active TB requires medical treatment.
TB mainly affects the lungs but can also damage the kidneys, spine, brain, and other parts of the body if left untreated. Getting tested for TB is important for prompt treatment if detected.
Understanding the Tuberculin Skin Test
Eligibility Screening
Before administering the skin test, the healthcare provider will:
- Review your medical history
- Check if you’ve had illnesses (e.g. measles) or conditions that could affect the results
- Confirm you don’t have compromised immunity or previous positive TB test
Tuberculin Injection
If eligible for the TB test, your forearm will be injected under the skin with a small dose of tuberculin solution. This contains proteins from TB bacteria to check for infection.
A small bump may form at the injection site which you monitor at home.
Reading the TB Test Result
After 48-72 hours, the bump may have swollen, hardened, and become red. The nurse measures the bump size (induration).
As per CDC guidelines, an induration over 10 mm indicates a positive TB test for high-risk groups. Over 15 mm is positive for all patients.
A positive result means a TB infection. You’ll likely need further testing like a chest X-ray and possibly treatment.
Should I Get a TB Test?
It’s advisable to get tested at CVS MinuteClinic if:
- Required for work/travel to high TB-incidence areas abroad like Asia and Eastern Europe
- Have TB infection symptoms (prolonged cough, coughing blood, unexpected weight loss, night sweats, etc.)
- Increased risk due to health conditions or close contact with someone infected
What to Expect During TB Testing?
The process involves two visits:
First visit:
- Eligibility screening
- Tuberculin injection under forearm skin
- Monitor injection site at home
Second visit (48-72 hours later):
- Measurement of injection site reaction by nurse
- Receive positive/negative result
- Recommendations for any needed follow-up
You’ll save around 40% vs. getting tested at urgent care clinics. No appointment is necessary for the TB test. Just walk into a CVS MinuteClinic. But make sure to return on time for the reading of test results.
Key Tips to Remember
- ✓ Confirm if your local CVS has a MinuteClinic inside for TB testing.
- ✓ Cost is $65 ($35 test + $30 reading) without insurance.
- ✓ Bring a health insurance card to lower your costs.
- ✓ Return within 48-72 hours of injection for accurate test reading.
- ✓ Retest required if read after 72 hours from administering the injection.
Is Tuberculosis Dangerous?
Yes, tuberculosis can be life-threatening if untreated. Active TB spreads easily through air droplets from coughing and infects the lungs in most cases.
As TB bacteria multiply, they attack different parts of the body. Vital organs like lungs get severely damaged over time. The resulting complications could be fatal.
Drug-resistant TB strains emerging globally are very difficult to treat as well. Early testing and prompt treatment are vital, even for latent TB without symptoms.
MinuteClinics makes tuberculosis screening affordable and easily accessible for at-risk communities. Catching TB early improves outcomes and reduces transmission rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I get a TB test near me?
Visit any CVS Pharmacy location with an inside MinuteClinic for fast, convenient TB testing. Use CVS’ clinic locator to find one close by.
- Does a TB test hurt?
There is minimal discomfort during the injection. A tiny amount of fluid is inserted under the top layer of skin on your forearm. The area may be slightly sore for 1-2 days.
- When do I get my TB test results?
Return to the MinuteClinic 48-72 hours after your injection for the nurse to interpret your test result. Measurements outside this window will require starting the TB test over.
- What if my TB test is positive?
A positive TB test indicates you have TB bacteria in your body. Additional tests like a chest X-ray, physical exam, and possibly treatment will be needed.
- Can I get same-day TB test results?
No, a minimum 48-hour gap is necessary between the tuberculin injection and the result reading. This allows sufficient reaction time to be measured.
- Does TB test accuracy depend on timing?
Yes, following the 48-72 hour window between administering injection and test measurement is vital for accuracy. Going beyond this timeframe risks inaccurate results.
- Where on my body is the TB test done?
The injection is typically administered on the forearm. Other options are the inside part of the wrist or just under the elbow.
- Should I cover the TB injection site?
No, tuberculin is injected just under the top layer of the skin. Bandages or coverings could affect absorption at the injection site and alter the reaction.
- Can I take a TB test while sick?
It’s best to postpone your testing if you currently have other infections. Colds, flu, and other illnesses can suppress your immune response and affect accuracy.
- When can I bathe/shower after a TB test?
Avoid getting the injection site wet for 24 hours after the test. Cover with plastic wrap while bathing. After 24 hours, washing the area gently with soap and water is safe.
Resources:
- https://www.webmd.com/lung/tests-tuberculosis
- https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/tbtesttypes.htm
- https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/tb-testing
- https://costtally.com/how-much-is-tb-test-at-cvs/
More Blood Test Related Guides:
- Routine Blood Testing
- When to Take a Pregnancy Test After Implant Removal
- Negative Pregnancy Test Turned Positive After Several Hours
- How do you test for HIV on your own
- What is MTD on a Drug Test
Conclusion
Tuberculosis remains an extremely infectious disease that can turn fatal without proper treatment. Getting screened for TB is critical if you have any risk factors or suspect exposure after travel.
Fortunately, CVS MinuteClinics located inside CVS Pharmacy stores nationwide provides quick, affordable access to TB testing.
The standard cost is just $65 for the tuberculin skin test injection and follow-up reading 48-72 hours later. Results are analyzed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
By catching TB infection early, you can obtain timely treatment and prevent transmitting it to loved ones. CVS MinuteClinics helps safeguard public health by making TB tests convenient for at-risk communities.
You must be logged in to post a comment.