Tuberculosis Skin (TB/PPD) Test at the Walk In Clinic NYC
Are you starting a new job or entering a new school and need a skin test?
Visit the our clinic, get your PPD test,
and get started on your new life chapter.
or Call us at (212) 696-5900
We accept most insurances
- Empire
- AETNA
- United Healthcare
- Guardian
- GHI
- Healthnet
- Great West
- Cigna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- MagnaCare
- Atlantis
- 1199
- POMCO
- First Health
- Coventry Health
- Oxford
- Multiplan
- NSAC
- Nippon
- Pacific Source
- SEIU
- Seven Corners
- UMR
- NY Ship
- John Hopkins
- Golden Rule
- Gilsbar
- Faloon
- Emblem Health
- PHCS
FAQs
- What is a TB/PPD test?
- Who needs to be tested?
- How is it done?
- How long does it take to get the results?
- How_to interprate the test?
- What does a positive test result mean?
- What if i have a history of positive TB test?
- Is a tuberculosis skin test covered by my insurance?
- Why_should_I_choose Urgent Care Clinic of New York?
- Where is the clinic located?
What is a TB/PPD test?
The mantoux tuberculin skin test, commonly referred to as TB or PPD skin test, is the method used to determine whether someone has tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It is a treatable condition, but in some countries it is still a common cause of death. The test will determine whether you are currently infected or have been previously exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria.
Who needs to be tested?
It is recommended to people who have symptoms of TB or are at risk of becoming infected. Since desease can be contagious, it has become a standard requirement for new school or job applicants. A positive result does not mean you will not be able to register in a new school or obtain employment as long as you follow the necessary steps to obtain clearance (medical treatment or chest x-ray). At the Walk-In Clinic of New York City, you can get the testing by a board certified doctor and medical clearance in order to complete your registration forms (school or employer).
How is it done?
The test is performed as follows: disinfection of the testing site (normally the forearm), our doctor will inject 0.1 ml of PPD (tuberculin purified protein derivative) into the top layer of your forearm skin, and when done correctly, it will form a small blister at the site of the injection.
How long does it take to get the results?
If you have had an exposure to TB in the past you will develop a positive reaction to skin injection between 48 to 72 hours after administration. 2 to 3 days after the skin test you need to come back to see our doctor read the test results and document it. Only after it has been read is when you have completely fulfilled the tuberculosis skin test requirement, provided you have a negative result. If you miss the 48-72 hours window for the reading, unfortunately, you will have to redo the TB skin test.
How to interprate the test?
Interpretation of the PPD skin test will be determined by measuring in millimeters the induration (the raised and palpable wheal formed after injection). The redness of the wheal plays no role in the reading of your test. The normal range for a negative tuberculosis skin test reaction in people with normal immune systems take place when an induration is less than 15 mm- anything that is greater or equal to 15mm is considered positive. Normal value ranges vary among people with underlying conditions (i.e. diabetes, AIDS, cancer, kidney disease), therefore notify our doctor if you have any health condition so you can be evaluated at the correct skin test range.
What does a positive test result mean?
If you have a positive TB test result, do not alarm yourself. A positive PPD result does not necessarily mean that you have an active bacterial infection since people that have been in contact with someone with TB will produce a positive reading, and exposure does not translate into definite infection. When you test positive, our doctor at the Walk In Clinic NYC will ask you to get a follow-up evaluation consisting of a chest x-ray in order to rule out that you have active TB. If the chest x-ray comes back negative, then you will be given written clearance stating that there is no indication of presence of tuberculosis in your lungs.
What if i have a history of positive Tb test?
If you have a history of positive tuberculosis skin test, then there is no need to get another PPD test ever in your lifetime, as it will definitely yield a positive result. You can go ahead and get a chest x-ray to rule out presence of TB. Chest x-rays no older than 2 years and a medical note reporting no presence of TB is required to satisfy the tuberculosis skin test requirement for schools or employers. Be aware that no patients can walk into a radiology center and get an x-ray, or any other health service, without a valid medical script (order from a board-certified doctor). You can easily get this script at our Walk-In Clinic NYC and the necessary documentation to obtain clearance.
Is a tuberculosis skin test covered by my insurance?
The tests are oftentimes covered by most major insurances. If for some reason your insurance does not cover the test, then our office can offer it to you for a simple fee of $60.*Chest x-rays are not covered under this fee and varies depending on the radiology center*
Why should I choose Urgent Care Clinic of New York?
You will benefit from coming to the Walk-In Clinic NYC to get your PPD skin test done because we understand that this requirement is time sensitive and relatively time consuming (at least 3 days wait; test day and 48-72 hours waiting period for results) for acceptance of our patients into their new school or job. As a result, we offer you same-day/next-day appointments on most weekdays, extended evening hours, and Saturday appointments. Do not worry if you do not have a scheduled visit because we take walk-ins throughout our office operating hours. We understand that starting school or beginning a new job can be relatively expensive, the TB test is offered to you for a minimal fee of $60. Furthermore, our doctor can aid you in the complete process of obtaining medical clearance for your school or job, as the Walk In Clinic of Manhattan offers physical examinations. You can get everything done- physical, PPD test, MMR titers, etc.- all in one place at substantially low fees. Visit the physicalexamcenter.com for more information.
Where is the clinic located?
Our Manhattan-based clinic is conveniently located in Midtown in the heart of New York City. The walk-in clinic is easily accessible by public transportation, as we are located two blocks away from major train stations (42ND Street-Bryant Park or Grand Central Terminal).
Begin your new educational or professional career in the right direction today by getting a tuberculosis skin test.