TB test costs depend on where you go and what type of test you need

A tuberculosis skin test (also called a Mantoux test or TST) typically costs between $10 and $50 at a clinic or doctor's office, though the price varies widely by location and provider. A blood test for TB (called an IGRA or interferon-gamma release assay) usually runs $50 to $150. If you have insurance, your copay might be $0 to $50 depending on your plan. If you don't have insurance, many public health departments and community health centers offer TB tests for free or on a sliding fee scale based on income.

The actual cost you pay depends on three things: which test you get, where you get it, and whether you have insurance or may have access to for free services. A skin test requires a follow-up visit 48 to 72 hours later to read the result, which some providers charge for separately. A blood test gives results in one to two weeks and usually costs more upfront but doesn't require a second appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Skin tests cost $10 to $50 and require two visits; blood tests cost $50 to $150 and need one visit.
  • Public health departments and federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) often provide TB tests free or on a sliding scale based on what you earn.
  • If you have insurance, call your plan to ask whether TB testing is covered at no cost or what your copay will be.
  • Urgent care and emergency rooms charge more than clinics—$100 to $300—so use them only if you need results the same day.

Where to get a TB test and what each place charges

Your primary care doctor's office is usually the cheapest option if you have insurance, because the visit is covered under your regular copay. If you don't have insurance, ask the office whether they offer a discount or sliding scale; many do.

Public health departments in your county or city offer free or very low-cost TB tests. Call your local health department directly—they can tell you where to go and whether you need an appointment. Federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) are community clinics that charge based on income; you can find one near you by searching the HRSA Find a Health Center tool online.

Urgent care clinics charge $75 to $200 for a TB test because they don't bill insurance the same way primary care does. Emergency rooms charge $200 to $500 or more because you're paying for the entire visit, not just the test. Use urgent care or the ER only if you need results quickly and can't wait for an appointment elsewhere.

What affects the price you actually pay

Insurance coverage is the biggest factor. Some plans cover TB testing at no cost as preventive care; others charge a copay. Call your insurance company and give them the procedure code (CPT code 86580 for skin test, 86689 for blood test) to find out what you'll owe before you go.

Your income determines the cost at community health centers and public health departments. Bring recent pay stubs or tax documents so the clinic can calculate what you pay. Many will test you for free if your income is below a certain threshold, which varies by location.

Whether you need a follow-up visit also matters. A skin test requires you to return in 48 to 72 hours for the reading; some providers charge a separate fee for that second visit, while others include it in the original cost. A blood test is done in one visit, so there's no second charge.

How to find out the exact cost before you go

Call ahead. Ask the clinic or doctor's office: "What is the cost of a TB test, and do I need to pay anything for a follow-up visit?" If you have insurance, also ask whether they're in-network, because out-of-network providers charge more.

If you're uninsured, ask whether the clinic offers a sliding scale or discount. Many do, but they won't mention it unless you ask. Tell them your approximate household income so they can quote you an accurate price.

For public health departments, search online for "[your county or city] health department TB testing" or call 211 (a free referral line) and ask where to get a TB test near you. They'll tell you the cost and whether you need an appointment.

Insurance and TB testing

Most insurance plans cover TB testing as preventive care with no copay, but some require a copay of $15 to $50. The only way to know is to call your plan's customer service number (on the back of your card) and ask. Have the test code ready: CPT 86580 for skin test or CPT 86689 for blood test.

If you're on Medicaid, TB testing is covered in all states with no copay. If you're on Medicare, TB testing is covered if your doctor orders it for a medical reason (not just routine screening). If you're uninsured, don't assume you'll pay full price—ask about sliding scale fees first.

What happens if you can't afford the test

Public health departments are your first option. They test people for free or very low cost regardless of insurance status. Call your local health department and ask where to go.

Community health centers (FQHCs) charge based on income and often have no-cost or very low-cost options. Use the HRSA Find a Health Center tool to locate one near you, or call 211.

If you're in a high-risk group (healthcare worker, someone with HIV, someone who has been in contact with a TB case), some clinics prioritize you for free testing. Tell the clinic why you need the test when you call.

Skin test vs. blood test: cost and time differences

A skin test (Mantoux test) costs less upfront ($10 to $50) but requires two visits: one to get the injection and one to have it read 48 to 72 hours later. Some providers charge for both visits; others charge once. The total time is 3 to 4 days.

A blood test (IGRA) costs more upfront ($50 to $150) but takes only one visit. Results come back in 1 to 2 weeks. If you need results quickly, a blood test is faster because you don't have to wait for the second appointment.

If cost is your main concern and you have time, a skin test is usually cheaper. If you need results quickly or can't return for a second visit, a blood test is worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for the follow-up visit if I get a skin test?

Not always. Some clinics include the follow-up reading in the original cost; others charge separately. Ask when you schedule the first appointment. If they charge separately, the second visit usually costs $10 to $25.

Will my insurance cover a TB test if I don't have symptoms?

Most plans cover preventive TB testing with no copay, but some require a copay. Call your insurance company to ask. If your doctor orders it for a medical reason, it's more likely to be covered.

Can I get a free TB test without insurance?

Yes. Public health departments offer free or very low-cost tests. Call your local health department or dial 211 to find the nearest location. Federally may have access to health centers also charge based on income and may test you for free.

How much does a TB test cost at an urgent care or ER?

Urgent care charges $75 to $200; emergency rooms charge $200 to $500 or more. Use these only if you need results the same day. For routine testing, a clinic or doctor's office is much cheaper.

What if I can't afford either test?

Start with your local public health department—they test people for free. If you're in a high-risk group (healthcare worker, HIV-positive, or exposed to TB), mention that when you call; some clinics prioritize free testing for these groups.