Getting a tuberculosis screening doesn't have to require a long wait at a primary care office. Many people head to local retail health clinics for convenience, but figuring out pricing and procedures ahead of time saves a wasted trip.
At clinics located inside select Walgreens stores—such as partner health systems or connected retail clinics—a standard tuberculin skin test usually ranges from $30 to $60 total for both visits. Because retail clinic pricing depends heavily on regional healthcare partnerships and your specific insurance coverage, your out-of-pocket expenses can vary.
How the Walgreens TB Skin Test Procedure Works
The tuberculosis skin test, known medically as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST), requires two separate appointments spaced a couple of days apart. You can't complete the entire process in a single visit because the body needs time to react to the injection.
Visit One: The Placement
During your first stop at a clinic partnered with Walgreens Find Care, a nurse practitioner or physician assistant will review your health history to ensure you don't have active symptoms like a persistent cough or unexplained weight loss.
- The clinician cleans a small area on the inner forearm.
- A tiny amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected just beneath the top layer of skin.
- This creates a small, pale bump or wheal under the skin, which usually fades within an hour.
- You'll receive a strict window to return for the reading, typically between 48 and 72 hours later.
Visit Two: The Reading
You must return to the exact same clinic within that 48-to-72-hour window. If you show up past 72 hours, the clinician cannot reliably read the results, and you'll have to restart the entire test.
- The clinician inspects and feels your forearm for induration (a hard, raised area).
- They measure the diameter of the raised area in millimeters using a specialized ruler—ignoring any flat redness or bruising.
- Based on your risk factors, employment requirements, or travel needs, they determine whether the reaction is negative or positive.
- You receive a signed documentation form for your employer, school, or volunteer organization.
Cost Breakdown and Insurance Options
Retail health pricing varies because individual hospital networks or healthcare providers operate the clinics inside Walgreens locations. For example, some partner clinics charge separate fees for placement and reading (around $30 each), while others bundle the total service fee.
- Self-Pay Pricing: If you don't have health insurance or your plan doesn't cover preventative screenings, expect to pay between $30 and $70 total out of pocket.
- Insurance Coverage: Many major health insurance plans cover routine TB testing if required for employment or school. However, you should check your specific copay rules ahead of time.
- Alternative Blood Tests: Some locations also facilitate blood draws or refer patients to lab partners like Labcorp OnDemand for a QuantiFERON blood test, which costs around $149 if paid out of pocket.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A successful TB screening relies heavily on following strict post-injection protocols. Minor errors often force patients to repeat the entire procedure.
- Scratching or Rubbing: Don't scratch, pick at, or rub the injection site. It's completely fine to wash your arm gently, but avoid scrubbing the bump.
- Covering with Bandages: Leave the injection site uncovered. Putting a tight bandage over the small wheal can alter local skin reactions.
- Missing the Window: Failing to return within the mandatory 48-to-72-hour timeframe invalidates the test completely. Plan your first visit carefully around your work or school schedule so you can make the return trip on time.
- Ignoring Active Symptoms: If you have a chronic fever, night sweats, or a cough lasting over two weeks, a standard skin test isn't appropriate. You should skip retail clinics and contact a primary physician directly for diagnostic chest imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk into any Walgreens for a TB test?
No. Standard retail pharmacists do not administer TB skin tests. You must visit a clinical practice operating inside select Walgreens locations, which you can locate using online scheduling tools.
What happens if my skin test is positive?
A positive skin test means you have likely been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria at some point, but it doesn't automatically mean you have active, contagious TB disease. The clinician will refer you for a follow-up chest X-ray or physical evaluation to rule out active infection.
Does the injection hurt?
The PPD injection uses a very small needle just under the top layer of skin. Most patients report a brief, sharp pinch followed by minor stinging that disappears quickly.
Can I get a TB test if I received the BCG vaccine?
While you can technically receive a skin test after getting the BCG tuberculosis vaccine administered in other countries, it often causes false-positive skin reactions. In these cases, clinicians frequently recommend a blood-based screening test instead.
