Quick & Easy TB Testing in Vancouver WA
Meeting a Growing Need For Our Vancouver, WA Community
Having trouble finding local TB testing? You’re not alone!
A member of the local Adult Family Home (AFH) Chapter Council reached out to POHS via social media, and shared that finding reliable, local testing had become a challenge for caregivers and healthcare providers in Vancouver, Washington. Many walk-in clinics are no longer offering TB skin or blood tests. We saw this as a chance to fill the gap and provide an essential service to those on the frontlines of community health.
For those who have followed our work, you may remember we partnered with a major health authority during the pandemic to provide N95 mask fit testing across Washington state. This effort allowed us to support over 500 Adult Family Homes and Assisted Care Facilities, making sure caregivers had properly fitted N95 respirators—often for the first time in their career.
Now, we’re extending that same commitment to our community with accessible and affordable walk-in TB testing at our Vancouver & Longview clinics, helping local caregivers and healthcare workers get their necessary screenings.
What Is Tuberculosis, Exactly?
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air from person to person (much like COVID-19. ) TB can be latent or active.
In latent TB, a person carries the bacteria but shows no symptoms and isn’t infectious. Latent TB is more common, but it's still important to see a doctor, as it can develop into active TB if untreated.
In contrast, active TB is contagious and comes with symptoms, allowing it to spread. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fever/chills.
Why TB Testing is Essential for Healthcare Workers
Tuberculosis can be a major health concern, particularly in settings where close contact is frequent, such as AFHs, clinics, and hospitals. For caregivers, healthcare workers, and facility owners, regular TB testing isn’t just a best practice—it’s a regulatory requirement in order to keep staff and those they care for safe. TB testing plays a role in:
Early Detection: Regular TB testing allows for the early identification of potential cases (like those with latent infections), leading to quick treatment.
Regulatory Compliance: Washington State mandates TB testing for healthcare workers and caregivers in AFHs, clinics, and other caregiving settings. Staying in compliance with these regulations is necessary to keep licenses and stay within legal guidelines.
Peace of Mind: Routine testing provides AFH owners, healthcare administrators, and families with the confidence that facilities are actively upholding a safe environment for everyone involved.
What TB Tests Are Available?
You have a couple of options for TB testing: skin tests or blood tests.
TB Skin Test
The TB skin test is the most commonly available test. This is also called the Mantoux test, or you might hear someone call it a PPD test.
This test requires two visits to our clinic, so be prepared to return for a second, quick trip. On the initial visit, our Medical Assistant injects tuberculin under the first layer of skin on your forearm, creating a small “wheal” or bump.
A subcutaneous injection of Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) solution.
You’ll return within a window of 48-72 hours after placement to have your forearm examined. This timeframe is why we do not place TB skin tests on Thursdays - we aren’t open on the weekends and you would not be able to have your skin test “read” within the required window.
If your forearm bump is hard or raised, this may indicate a positive TB test result. We also take into account your medical history; for example, if you’ve had the BCG vaccine, it could trigger a false positive result. Sometimes, the provider or an employer will want a “Two-Step TB Skin Test”; this just means a second TB skin test. This can stimulate your immune system to give a more accurate result, after an initial negative skin test. This is usually done one week after having your intial TB test placed, with a repeated placement process.
If you are looking for a highly accurate TB test, we recommend getting the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, which is a blood draw.
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Blood Test
The QuantiFERON TB blood test is quicker and more convenient, only requiring one visit, and results are usually available within 3-5 days.
This test is preferred over the skin test for several reasons: it isn’t affected by a previous BCG vaccine, and unlike the skin test, the results are less likely to be misinterpreted.
We offer both options and understand that the TB skin test is more budget-friendly at $35, compared to the $175 cost of the blood test.
POHS: Your Local Solution for TB Testing
Here’s what you can expect from our TB testing services:
Quick, Walk-In Appointments: We understand that healthcare workers have busy schedules. That’s why we offer flexible, walk-in options to get you in, out, and on your way.
Reliable Results: Our trained staff are excellent at creating those precise TB skin wheals. Or choose the blood draw option, if you know you’ve had past false positives.
Local Access: No need to travel far—our Vancouver location means you have access to TB testing right where you need it.
Watch Annie, our Vancouver Medical Assistant, go through the steps to place a TB skin test in under a minute!
Steps for TB Testing with Us
Walk-In: We welcome walk-in patients - no appointment necessary to get your TB test placed.
Complete Testing: Our medical staff will administer the TB test; either return within 48-72 hours or await your blood test results.
Ongoing Support: For employers requiring regular testing, we can arrange recurring appointments or group screenings to make the process even easier. Contact our Onsite Services Coordinator, Michelle, for customized quotes or to set up onsite testing at your facility.
Come See Us!
Performance Occupational Health Services is here to serve our community with accessible, reliable TB testing services. Stop by today!
