Certain companies require new hires to take a pre-employment Tuberculosis (TB) test and require their current employees to undergo testing at least annually. The procedure is quick and nearly painless, and we offer testing every weekday except Thursday, with no appointment necessary. But what is TB, and who needs to be tested?

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. Tuberculosis skin tests are just one of the many lab tests we offer, and we can typically get you in and out in 15 minutes or less!

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs. TB is treatable, and early detection is crucial for achieving the best clinical outcomes. 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. Annual TB testing is required for healthcare workers, correctional facility staff members, teachers, and individuals who work with young children. You should also take a TB test before and after traveling overseas, and at least annually if you’re caring for an elderly or immunocompromised relative at home.

During your first visit, we’ll inject a small amount of solution just under the skin of your arm using a very small needle. You’ll need to return in 48–72 hours for it to be read, and we’ll provide official documentation of a negative result on the spot. We now also offer the QFT-Plus Blood Test, which requires only one visit! One of our associates will draw a small blood sample, which will be incubated with TB antigens in a laboratory to determine the likelihood of an infection.

If you test positive for TB, you should contact your primary care physician for immediate follow-up and minimize contact with others until you’re medically cleared. A positive result doesn’t mean that you have the disease, but you’ll need to undergo further evaluation. You can also visit the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) TB Program website at any time to learn more about Tuberculosis treatment options.

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