Tuberculosis (TB): Essential Information:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by bacteria that usually affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body.
- It spreads through the air when an individual with active TB coughs or sneezes.
- Some people have latent TB, which means the TB germs are in their body, but they don’t feel sick and can’t spread the disease. However, if it’s not treated, it can turn into active TB, which can make you ill and spread to others.
- The good news? TB is treatable! Whether being treated for Latent TB to prevent becoming Active or treating Active TB, we are here to assist! Our health department is committed to offering the necessary support and resources to fight TB effectively.
- Clinic Services & Fees
Our South Bend and Mishawaka clinics offer key TB-related services to help protect our community.
Service
Fee
TB Skin Test
$23
QuantiFERON-TB GOLD PLUS (TB Blood Test)
$35
Sputum Collection (for Active TB suspects)
No Fee
Medication & Case Management
No Fee
- TB Skin Test - $23
- What is a TB Skin Test?
- A TB skin test (also called a Mantoux tuberculin skin test) is a quick and simple way to check if someone has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB).
- How It Works:
- A small amount of TB testing solution (called tuberculin) is injected just under the skin on the forearm.
- You must return to the clinic within 48–72 hours so a certified healthcare worker can examine the injection site area for a reaction called an induration.
- What We’re Looking For:
- An induration is a firm, raised area at the injection site.
- The size of the bump (not the redness) is measured and compared with your risk factors to determine if the test result is positive.
- Location and Time for TST placement
- The test requires two visits: one for placement and one for reading.
- Walk-ins welcome; no appointment needed.
- If you do not return within 48–72 hours, the test becomes invalid and must be repeated.
- If you’ve received the BCG vaccine, it may cause a false positive on a TB skin test. A TB blood test (such as the QuantiFERON) is recommended instead.
Location
Days
Hours
South Bend
Directions
County-City Building, 9th Floor
227 West Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46601Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
1–3:30 PM🚫 Closed Fri 12–4 PM
✅ Walk-ins welcome
Mishawaka
Directions
County-Services Building
219 Lincolnway West
Mishawaka, IN 46544Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
1–3:30 PM🚫 Closed Tue 8–12 PM
✅ Walk-ins welcome
Important Things to Know:
- What is a TB Skin Test?
- QuantiFERON (QFT) TB Test - $35
- What is the QuantiFERON (QFT) TB Test?
- The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (often shortened to QFT) is a blood test to check for tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is an alternative to the traditional TB skin test.
- How It Works:
- A small sample of your blood is taken and sent to the state lab, where it is tested to see how your immune system reacts to proteins from the TB bacteria.
- Unlike the skin test, the QFT test only requires one visit — no need to return for a reading.
- Results available in 3-4 business days.
- Location and Time
Location
Day
Hours
South Bend
Directions
County-City Building, 9th Floor
227 West Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46601Tuesday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
1–3:30 PM📞 Appointments are required
- Important Things to Know:
- The QFT test is only available at our South Bend location
- The QFT test is currently only available on Tuesdays.
- Appointments are required – Call (574) 235-9750, Option 2, to schedule
- What is the QuantiFERON (QFT) TB Test?
- Guidance for Healthcare Professionals
Reporting to the Health Department
- Positive TB results are reportable under Indiana law.
- Please fax completed reports to our secure line:
- (574) 245-6581
- Download and complete the appropriate forms:
Refer for Free TB Treatment
We provide free treatment and case management for patients diagnosed with Latent TB infection or Active TB disease
Please include the following documents when referring a patient for free TB medication:
- Completed LTBI or TB Report Form
- TB test results (skin or blood)
- Chest X-ray or other imaging results
- Any other relevant medical documentation
Case Management & Public Health Follow-up
A Public Health Nurse will follow up with the patient to:
- Provide education
- Support treatment adherence, including directly observed therapy
- Coordinate care as needed
- Collect Sputum and send to the State Lab for actives and suspected actives
Contact Us:
For forms, referrals, or questions, please call:
(574) 235-9750 – Select Option 7 or Extension 7946