First Choice is proud to be Arkansas’ most trusted third-party administrator, and we offer every conceivable lab test at our southwest Little Rock testing center. Our technicians all share our commitment to legendary service, and we keep a Medical Review Officer (MRO) on staff to ensure the accuracy of all testing results. And if you need a tuberculosis (TB) skin test, we can help with that, too!

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it primarily affects the lungs. TB is treatable, and, like many other diseases, early detection is crucial for achieving the best clinical outcomes. TB can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, spine, and lymph nodes, and can be fatal if not treated properly. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, approximately ⅓ of the world’s population has latent TB, and if you have a Latent TB infection (LTBI), it’s possible to spread the disease even if you’re not sick or symptomatic.

Certain professions require regular TB testing as a condition of employment, particularly if they work with young children or the immunocompromised. This includes correctional facility staff members, healthcare professionals, and teachers. You should also take a TB test before and after international travel, and at least annually if you’re caring for a parent or older relative in your home.

We offer TB testing every weekday except Thursday, and you never need an appointment. During your first visit, a small amount of solution will be injected just under your skin using a very small needle. You’ll need to return 48–72 hours later for it to be read, and we’ll provide official documentation of negative results on the spot. We now also offer the QFT-Plus Blood Test, which requires only one visit!

If you test positive for TB in Arkansas, it does not necessarily mean you have the active disease. You should contact your primary care physician for immediate follow-up and minimize contact with others until you’re medically cleared. You’ll need to undergo further evaluation to determine if you have TB or a LBTI, and you can learn more online through the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) TB Program.

If you have any questions about TB skin tests or any of our other testing services, contact us online or at 501-661-9992.