TB Testing

Tuberculosis skin tests and disease monitoring are both available at the health department. TB Skin tests are given on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during regular hours. People receiving this test must make an appointment two days later to be monitored for a possible reaction. If a reaction occurs, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment provides medication and monitoring at no charge.

What is Tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by a type of bacteria that can be spread from person to person through the air. A person with TB disease spreads the bacteria to others by coughing, laughing, sneezing, or even by speaking. TB is most commonly spread to others in confined, poorly ventilated spaces. Although anyone can be exposed to this disease, certain individuals are at higher risk for exposure, including health care professionals, the homeless, and people who were born in countries with high TB rates. Elderly people and individuals with HIV or AIDS are also more likely to get TB because their bodies are less able to fight off infections.