INFUSION THERAPY 
GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS PLANS 
Services
View all →
Imaging & Diagnostics
Labs & Testing
Treatments & Infusions
Physicals & Specialty Care
Conditions
View all →
Illnesses & Infections
Stomach & Digestive
TB Testing for Work & School
Need TB clearance without waiting weeks for a primary-care appointment? ContinuEM offers walk-in TB screening in Lakewood, including PPD skin testing and TB blood testing when appropriate.
Choose the Right TB Test
Bring the form or instructions from your employer, school, clinical program, or agency. We will help match the test to the requirement.
| TB test | Visits | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| PPD / TB skin test (TST) | Placement + return visit | Must be read by a trained clinician 48–72 hours after placement |
| 2-step PPD | Multiple placements/reads | Used by some healthcare or employment programs; the second step is scheduled after the first negative test according to the required protocol |
| TB blood test / IGRA (and CXR) | One blood draw. For patients who have had previous BCG vaccines or cannot take PPD tests, to see if there is any evidence of active TB | No return visit to read the skin; lab turnaround varies. A preliminary read is made by your ContinuEM provider, with a radiologist reviewing the films for confirmation. |
If you have received the BCG vaccine, tell us. A TB blood test is generally preferred because BCG vaccination can affect a skin-test result.
What Is a 2-Step PPD?
A 2-step PPD is not one test read twice. It is a screening process that uses two separate skin tests when required for baseline screening, often in healthcare settings.
- 1. First PPD is placed.
- 2. Return in 48–72 hours so a trained clinician can read it.
- 3. If the first test is negative and a 2-step test is required, the second placement is scheduled according to the program’s protocol.
- 4. Return again in 48–72 hours for the second reading.
Bring your paperwork to every visit so we can document each placement and reading correctly.
When You Need TB Testing
People commonly come to us for:
- Nursing, medical, dental, or allied-health program requirements
- Hospital, clinic, school, or childcare employment
- New-hire or annual occupational screening
- Volunteer or school clearance
- A test requested after a known TB exposure
Testing because you have TB symptoms or a recent known exposure? Call (562) 731-3990 before walking in. Symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain need a clinical evaluation — not paperwork-only screening.
What to Expect at ContinuEM
-
For a PPD skin test
We place a small amount of testing material just under the skin of your forearm. You return 48–72 hours later so a trained clinician can measure the reaction. If you miss that window, the test generally needs to be repeated.
-
For a TB blood test
We draw a blood sample once and send or process it according to the test ordered. You do not need a second visit just to have a skin reaction read, which can make blood testing easier for people who cannot return in 2–3 days.
What If the Test Is Positive?
A positive TB skin or blood test means you need further evaluation; it does not, by itself, tell us whether you have active TB disease.
Your next step may include:
- Review of symptoms and exposure history
- A chest X-ray when indicated
- Additional testing or referral
- Documentation and follow-up instructions for your employer or school
Because ContinuEM has on-site imaging and ER-trained doctors, you can often complete more of the evaluation in one place instead of being sent across town for the next step.
Why Get Your TB Test Here?
Walk-ins welcome
Open until 11 PM weekdays, 6 PM weekends
PPD placement and reading in the same clinic
TB blood testing option when appropriate
On-site chest X-ray if a positive screen needs further evaluation
Documentation for work, school, and clinical programs
FAQ
TB Testing FAQs
Placement takes only a short visit, but the result is not read immediately. You must return 48–72 hours after placement for a trained clinician to measure the reaction.
The result cannot be reliably documented outside the required reading window, so the skin test usually needs to be repeated. If returning is difficult, ask whether a TB blood test meets your requirement.
It is two separate PPD skin tests used for baseline screening in some programs. If the first test is negative, a second test is placed later and also read 48–72 hours after placement.
No. QuantiFERON is a TB blood test, also called an IGRA. A PPD is a skin test. Blood testing requires one blood draw and is generally preferred for people who previously received the BCG vaccine.
Yes. Bring the exact form or requirement so we can document the correct test and timing. Some programs specifically require a 2-step PPD, while others accept a TB blood test.
No. A positive screening test means TB infection is possible and you need further evaluation. That may include a chest X-ray and additional testing to determine whether the infection is inactive or active.
Pricing depends on the test and your insurance benefits. Call (562) 731-3990 with the test your school or employer requires, and we can explain current pricing and self-pay options.
Related Care at ContinuEM
- Lab Testing: walk-in diagnostic testing with clinician review
- X-Ray: on-site chest imaging when medically indicated after a positive screen
- Sports Physicals: school and athletic clearance
- Pediatric Care: same-day care and school-related health needs for children
COVERAGE
We’ve Got You Covered
Most in-network and out-of-network insurance accepted. A $99 upfront service fee applies to the urgent-care visit; additional laboratory charges and benefits vary by test. Self-pay options are available.
*Exclusions apply for insurance plans without urgent care benefits — see cash payment options.
Medically reviewed by
Written by
ContinuEM Editorial Team
Last updated
August 27, 2026
ContinuEM Urgent Care is dedicated to delivering exceptional, convenient healthcare to the Lakewood community and its surrounding areas. Our board-certified providers deliver expert care with compassion, transparency, and respect for your time.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.