Our community-wide Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention Program utilizes education, testing and treatment to help stop the spread of tuberculosis in Tulsa County. For more information, please call 918-595-4109.
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium (or germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually attacks the lungs. Getting tested and treated for TB can protect yourself, your family and friends and your community.
People with inactive TB do not have symptoms of TB disease. However, without treatment, they can develop active TB disease and become sick.
It is spread through the air from person to person when someone with active TB disease coughs, speaks, or sings. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys or the spine. Without treatment, active TB disease can be fatal.
Both inactive TB (also called latent TB infection) and active TB disease can be treated. There are several safe and effective treatment plans recommended in the United States. It is important to take and finish all TB medicines exactly as your health care provider recommends.
You may fall into a high- or moderate-risk group for TB if you have an HIV infection, have had recent contact with a person with active TB disease, or if you have recently been in a country with a high incidence of TB.
TB tests are generally not needed for people with low risk of infection with TB bacteria. CDC recommends that people that are at increased risk* should be tested for TB. There are two types of tests that can find TB infection:
If your TB blood test or skin test result is positive, you have TB germs in your body. Your health care provider will do other tests to determine if you have inactive TB or active TB disease. These tests may include a chest x-ray, and a test of the sputum (phlegm) you cough up.
If you think you have been exposed to someone with active TB disease, you should contact your health care provider or the Tulsa Health Department about getting a TB blood test or TB skin test. Be sure to tell the health care provider when you spent time with the person who has active TB disease.
TB skin testing for all age groups is conducted at the locations below with appointments preferred or on walk-in basis. Hours and availability vary by location. Please call 918-595-4109 with additional questions.
A Spanish-speaking interpreter is available. A Burmese interpreter is only available at our Central Regional Health Center.
TB Clinic Services are available at our Central Regional Health Center, at 3rd & Utica, and include:
There is a $20 charge for routine TB skin testing. There is no charge for TB testing if you have been exposed to an active case, are considered at increased risk* or have symptoms. There is a charge for other TB testing such as blood testing which is $48. Check with your insurance provider to make sure it can be covered.
We have 9 locations across Tulsa County that offer a variety of services to help you and your family stay healthy.
