What happens during a TB screening?A TB screening will either be a TB skin test or a TB blood test. TB skin tests are used more often, but blood tests for TB are becoming more common. Your health care provider will recommend which type of TB test is best for you.For a TB skin test (also called a PPD test), you will need two visits to your health care provider's office. On the first visit, your provider will:Wipe your inner arm with an antiseptic solutionUse a tiny needle to inject a small amount of PPD under the first layer of skin. PPD is a protein that comes from the tuberculosis bacteria. It is not live bacteria, and it will not make you sick.A small bump will form on your forearm. It should go away in a few hours.Be sure to leave the site uncovered and undisturbed.After 48-72 hours, you will return to your provider's office. During this visit, your provider will check the injection site for a reaction that may indicate a TB infection. This includes swelling, redness, and an increase in size.For a TB test in blood (also called an IGRA test), a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
