Lab & testing

Tuberculosis (TB) Test

PPD tuberculosis skin test in north Houston for work, school or volunteering. We place it, read it and give you a written result.

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The tuberculosis skin test, also called a PPD or Mantoux test, shows whether your body has been exposed to the bacteria that cause TB. Healthcare jobs, daycares, schools and volunteer programs often require it; at Clínica Hispana Cruz 2 we place it, read it and put the result in writing.

How does it work over two visits?

First visit: a tiny drop of fluid goes under the skin of your forearm, leaving a bump that fades on its own
Between visits: live normally, just don't scratch, bandage or put lotion on the spot
Second visit, 48 to 72 hours later: the medical team checks whether the skin has hardened and records the result in millimeters
At the end you get a document with the reading for your paperwork

Why can't I miss the reading?

The test only counts if a health professional reads it within that window. Too early or too late and the reaction can't be interpreted, so it has to be placed again. When we place it, we confirm when you need to come back, and since we're open seven days a week, a Sunday reading won't cost you time off work.

What does a positive result mean?

It doesn't mean you're sick or contagious. It means that at some point you were exposed to the bacteria, and it sometimes shows up in people who got the BCG vaccine as children. The medical team explains the next steps, usually a chest X-ray, and where to get one.

What should you tell us before the test?

If you've ever had a positive PPD
If you received the BCG vaccine in your home country
If you take medicines or have a condition that weakens your immune system

Is it for other paperwork?

If your school also asks for a school physical, you can take care of both in the same visit. If you need it for a green card, the immigration medical exam has its own requirements, so ask us first.

Where do we place it?

At 13331 Kuykendahl Rd Ste 128, Houston, TX 77090, with free parking. You can walk in for both the placement and the reading between 9 AM and 9 PM, and we tell you the price before we start.

Included in this service

PPD (Mantoux) skin test

Reading visit with measurement

Written result for your paperwork

Readings on weekends too

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call us now or visit us — no appointment needed

+1 (281) 789-0484

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. BCG doesn't rule out the test, although it can sometimes cause a positive reaction. Tell the medical team if you received it, and if the result is positive, they'll explain which test can help sort out whether it's from the vaccine or from exposure.

Once the reading window has passed, the reaction can no longer be judged reliably and the test has to be started over. Write down the date and time we give you when it's placed, and set a reminder on your phone.

Yes. You can shower, work and exercise as usual. Just avoid scratching, rubbing or covering the spot with a bandage, and don't put lotion on it; if it itches, a cold compress helps.

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