(Sources: Texas Department of State Health Services and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease. It was once the leading cause of death in the U.S. TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air. Most TB disease occurs in the lungs but TB can affect any part of the body.

A TB skin test can tell if you have the TB germs. It is important that you obtain this test if you live with or have frequent close contact with someone with active TB or if you HIV/AIDS. If you live with someone who has signs of TB the health department may ask you to be tested. The following are recommended to be skin tested on employment and annually.

TB is listed as one of the reportable conditions according to the CDC/Texas Department of State Health Services. Providers and hospitals are required by law to report TB infections (both latent and active) to the local public health department within 24 hours. For reporting information call 214-548-4707.

The mission of Collin County Tuberculosis Clinic is to prevent, control, and eliminate the spread of TB in Collin County. We plan to accomplish this mission by developing effective communication with providers and the public, providing quality diagnostic and treatment services, strengthening our surveillance and epidemiologic investigations, and improving the public's knowledge about the disease. As a county health department, we are well-equipped and qualified to perform all of the state's mandated tasks to accomplish our mission.

Diagnostic Services

Collin County TB Clinic provides TB screening in the form of a PPD skin test (Mantoux) to county residents. The usual charge for a TB skin test is $20. Patients are required to make two visits to the facility. The first visit is to receive the test, and the second visit, which takes place after 48 to 72 hours, is for the test to be checked by the TB nurse. Please note the following important reminders:

• You will be informed of date when PPD test is to be read prior to administration.
• If you cannot return for reading, the screening test should be rescheduled.
• You will receive documentation of the receipt of a PPD screening when results are read.
• All PPDs administered by health department staff will be read by health department staff.
• PPDs administered elsewhere will not be read by health department staff except in special circumstances. Readings will be done only when full documentation of data and site are provided.

In addition to administering the TB screening test, our clinic also makes referrals for chest x-rays after PPD skin testing. A chest x-ray is indicated following a positive PPD skin test. Patients will be provided with a chest x-ray referral form and a follow up appointment will be scheduled. Note that individuals are responsible for the cost of the chest x-ray.

Treatment Services

Once you have been diagnosed with either active or latent TB infection as indicated by the PPD skin test and chest x-ray, a Collin County TB staff member will work with you to answer any questions you may have and work with you to devise a treatment plan. Effective communication between the health department, provider, and the patient is very important in making sure that the TB case is being treated and controlled adequately. For more information, please contact our program coordinator using the contact information below.

Collin County TB Clinic is located at:

The following are the days of administration and corresponding days of reading for the TB screening test. PPD skin test is not performed on Thursdays.

Program Coordinator: Eva Best, MS, RN
Email: ebest@collincountytx.gov
Phone: 972-548-5532
Fax: 972-548-5550

Questions and Answers about TB (CDC)
Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (CDC)
TB Education Center (TDSHS)
The American Lung Association