The health department’s tuberculosis (TB) program works to screen, identify, evaluate, and treat people with, or who are at high risk for, tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease primarily of the lungs. It is airborne and spread when someone with active TB coughs, laughs, or sings.
There are two types of tests that detect TB bacteria in the body: the TB skin test (TST, also know as PPD) and TB blood tests.
A positive TB skin test or blood test will only tell a person if they have been infected with TB bacteria. It does not tell whether the person has latent TB infection (LTBI) or has progressed to active TB disease. Other tests, such as a chest x-ray and a sample of sputum, are necessary to see whether a person has TB disease.
Tuberculosis skins tests (TST) are available at all of the health department’s immunization clinics.
The fee for a TB skin test is $25. We do not bill insurance for TB skin tests; check with your insurance provider to determine if they will reimburse any cost to you.
To schedule a TB skin test, call 385-468-SHOT (7468).
Skin tests are scheduled only on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Fridays because test results must be read between 48 and 72 hours after the test is administered.
So if you receive a skin test on:
A patient who does not return to the clinic for reading within 72 hours will need to schedule another skin test.
The health department does not read results from a test placed by another agency or health care provider.
If you are responsible for a minor aged 16 or 17 who needs a skin test and you cannot accompany them to the clinic, please complete this consent form and have the minor bring it with them to their appointment.
In some cases, a person will need a two-step skin test. A two-step test is useful for adults who are going to be retested periodically, such as health care workers or nursing home residents.
A positive skin test means that the person may be infected with TB bacteria. Additional tests are necessary to determine if the person has latent TB infection or active TB disease. People with a positive skin test are referred to the department's TB program for evaluation, and if necessary, treatment.
Phone Number
(385) 468-7468
(385) 468-SHOT
Hours Skin tests are scheduled only on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Fridays because test results must be read between 48 and 72 hours after the test is administered.
Immunization Clinics
TB blood tests (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus [QFT-Plus] and the T-SPOT) are available by appointment only.
Please call 385-468-4222 to schedule your tests.
The cost for a TB blood test is $130.
Phone Number (385) 468-4222
Hours Monday and Wednesday by appointment only
The health department’s Tuberculosis Clinic screens and evaluates people:
When indicated, the clinic offers chest x-rays ($75 per view). Chest x-rays are generally required when someone initially tests positive, and then only if they have symptoms consistent with TB or they are a known contact to someone with infectious TB.
The CDC does not recommend yearly x-rays for those who were previously positive.
The clinic does not offer immigration physicals.
Salt Lake Public Health Center
Phone Number (385) 468-4222
Mailing Address 610 South 200 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone Number (385) 468-4222
Hours Monday and Wednesday by appointment only
Many people who have latent TB infection never develop TB disease. TB tests are generally not necessary for people with a low risk of infection.
People at high risk for developing TB disease include:
Placing and reading the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST—also known as “PPD”) requires knowledge, skill, and practice. Inaccurate placing or reading can result in false results.
The health department offers free certification classes to health care professionals in Salt Lake County. Most classes are 1–2 hours, depending on the number of students. Classes are held at the department’s Tuberculosis Clinic.
For more information about TB skin test training, call 385-468-4222.
We recommend viewing this video demonstrating the Mantoux Skin Test procedure prior to attending a training class.
Salt Lake Public Health Center
Phone Number (385) 468-4222
Mailing Address 610 South 200 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM