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At Clínica Hispana Familiar 529 the tuberculosis test is done with the PPD skin test, read 48 to 72 hours later, or with the IGRA blood test, and documentation is provided for work, school or paperwork. Care in Spanish, with no appointment and no insurance needed, in northwest Houston.
What does the service include?
- Tuberculin skin test (PPD or Mantoux), placed on the forearm
- Result reading at a second visit, 48 to 72 hours later
- IGRA blood test as an alternative, with a single visit
- Result document for employment, school, volunteering or immigration paperwork
- Guidance and chest X-ray when the result is positive
PPD or blood test? Which one is right for me?
- PPD: inexpensive, requires two visits and can give a false positive in people vaccinated with BCG, common in Latin America
- IGRA (blood): a single visit, not affected by the BCG vaccine, and the one USCIS requires for the I-693 immigration exam
- If you had the BCG vaccine or cannot return for the reading, the blood test is the best option
What is the PPD test like, step by step?
- 1A small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin of the forearm; a small bump forms and disappears within minutes.
- 2Do not cover the area with a bandage or scratch it; you can bathe normally.
- 3Return 48 to 72 hours later for the reading. If more than 72 hours pass, the test must be repeated.
- 4The medical team measures the induration, the hardened bump, not the redness, and documents the result.
What does a positive result mean?
It indicates previous contact with the bacteria, not necessarily active disease. A chest X-ray and a symptom evaluation are done. Latent tuberculosis is not contagious and is treated with preventive medication for 3 to 4 months; active disease requires full treatment and notification to the health department.
When can the PPD not be done?
If you received a live-virus vaccine, such as MMR or varicella, in the last 4 weeks, or if you previously had a severe reaction to tuberculin. In those cases the blood test is used.
Who usually requires this test?
Healthcare, childcare and food jobs, schools and universities, volunteer programs, and the I-693 immigration medical exam, which the clinic also performs.
How does payment work?
You don't need health insurance. Pricing is self-pay, cash and cards are accepted, and you can ask for the cost of the service by phone or WhatsApp before your visit.
Where is the clinic and which areas does it serve?
Clínica Hispana Familiar 529 is at 15003 FM 529 B, Houston, TX 77095, in northwest Houston. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, walk-ins welcome. It serves patients from Copperfield, Bear Creek, Cypress, Jersey Village, Katy and nearby communities.
Included in this service
Tuberculosis skin test (PPD)
Result reading
Useful for work and school
Care in Spanish
Ready to schedule your appointment?
Call us now or visit us — no appointment needed
Frequently Asked Questions
01Which is better for me, the PPD or the blood test?
The PPD takes two visits and can give a false positive if you had the BCG vaccine, which is common in Latin America. The blood test (IGRA) takes one visit, is not affected by BCG and is the one USCIS requires for the I-693.
02After the PPD is placed, when do I return for the reading?
Come back between the second and third day after it is placed; any later and the test has to be redone. In the meantime do not cover the spot with a bandage or scratch it, though you can shower as usual.
03What does a positive result mean?
It shows past contact with the bacteria, not necessarily active disease. A chest X-ray and a symptom check follow. Latent TB is not contagious and is treated with preventive medication.
04When can I not get a PPD?
If you received a live-virus vaccine, such as MMR or chickenpox, in the past 4 weeks, or if you had a severe reaction to tuberculin before. In those cases the blood test is used.
05Do I get a document for work or school?
Yes, you receive a document with the result for employment, school, volunteering or an immigration case. Jobs in health care, child care and food service ask for it often.
