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1. What TB services are available at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health clinic?

• Tuberculosis diagnostic services for active TB and latent TB infection,TB blood testing (using an IGRA or Interferon-Gamma Release Assay), TB skin testing, evaluation of symptoms, chest x-rays (digital), sputum and other specimens for smear, culture and sensitivities 
• Nurse case management for TB cases and suspects, and those with latent TB infection 
• Treatment of active TB and latent TB infection following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Thoracic Society's recommendations, including directly observed therapy (DOT) 
• DOT to ensure completion of therapy so patients will be cured of TB, and also to prevent drug resistance from developing 
• Anti-TB medication(s) 
• Monitoring for side effects of anti-TB medication(s), including laboratory tests
• Monitoring for response to therapy, including laboratory tests 
• Referrals to appropriate health care providers for other medical problems 
• Residential facility for infectious TB patients, homeless and near homeless TB patients

2. How much does it cost for TB services at Maricopa County Department of Public Health?

There is no charge for any TB services for active TB cases, their contacts, and children 6 years old or younger with latent TB infection.

3. Do I need an appointment for a TB clearance/Health Card?

No appointments are needed, walk-ins are accepted.

4. What does it mean if I have a positive TB blood test or TB skin test?

A positive TB blood test or TB skin test indicates that you have been exposed to someone with TB. The next step is to have an evaluation for TB symptoms and a chest x-ray. If the symptom review and chest x-ray are negative, you have latent TB infection. With a normal immune system you have a 10% chance of developing TB disease; half of that risk or 5% is within the first 2 years after becoming infected. The other half of the risk is for the rest of your life.

If you are considered to be high risk for developing TB disease, the health department will treat you with a medication that will prevent that from occurring. It is important to understand that if you have latent TB infection (positive TB blood test or TB skin test, normal chest x-ray, no symptoms of TB), you cannot give anyone else TB. You are NOT infectious.

For other services, please call the TB clinic at 602-372-1407 for more information.

5. What if I need a TB blood test or TB skin test for work or school, or as a volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, prison, etc.?

You may visit our TB clinic, located at 1645 East Roosevelt Street in Phoenix, to receive a TB blood test or TB skin test with a Health Card. There is a charge for a Health Card, which is a release to attend work, school or to volunteer. The current charge is $65, cash, credit or debit card.

6. Why isn't a Health Card free of charge?

Only when there is a public health reason for a TB blood test or TB skin test (symptoms of TB, known contact to TB, etc.) is it provided at no charge.

7. What if one of my family members is diagnosed with TB?

Once a patient is referred to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health as a TB case or TB suspect, a nurse case manager and an epidemiologist are assigned to that patient. As part of the initial work with the patient, the epidemiologist will question the patient to learn the names and locating information of persons who have shared air with the patient, e.g., live or work with the patient, spend a lot of leisure time with the patient, etc. These people are called contacts. The epidemiologist will get in touch with the contacts and make arrangements for them to be evaluated, usually with a TB blood test, a symptom review, and if indicated, a chest x-ray, at the health department at no charge.

8. What if I need treatment for latent TB infection?

You may visit our TB clinic to be evaluated. There is a charge of $65, cash, credit or debit card.