(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.
Latent TB:
For some people who breathe in the TB germs, the germs
are not active and may stay that way for a short time or for years.
Having a latent (or "silent") TB infection does not
mean that the person has active TB disease. Many people with latent
TB infection never develop TB disease. However, for people with a
compromised immune system or other risk factors, the TB germs may
become active later in life and cause the disease. People with latent
TB infections do not look or feel sick and are not contagious.
Active TB:
In people with active TB disease, the following symptoms may be present:
Feeling of sickness, weakness
Fever
Weight loss
Night sweats
Coughing, persistent
Coughing up blood
A person with active TB can pass the TB germs to others usually through coughing.
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.
CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS FOR
PERSONS WORKING WITHIN COLLIN COUNTY CALL FOR ROUTINE TB TESTING
REQUIRED ON EMPLOYMENT AND ANNUALLY
Medical, nursing, laboratory and other health care workers
Licensed day care facility staff
Any other as required by employer
RECOMMENDED ON EMPLOYMENT AND ANNUALLY
Homeless shelter staff and residents
Long term care facility staff
Public service staff
TB is listed as one of the required
reportable conditions according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of
State Health Services. Doctors,
hospitals, labs, etc. are required by law to report TB infections
(both latent and active) to the local public health department. To
report a TB case, download and print the Collin
County TB Suspect/Case Report form and FAX the completed
form to 972-548-5514 or 972-548-4443. Reports may also be
called in to 972-548-5510.
Our Mission
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.
What We Can Do For You
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.
Persons Requesting a Change in Immigration Status through Their Civil Surgeons
Office Visit (physician)
$90.00
Follow-up (nurse visit)
$13.00
Labs (if applicable)
variable up to $80.00
Chest X-ray
$35.00
Any shots required are assessed through the Immunization Program
Clinic Locations and Hours of Operation
Collin County TB Clinic is located at:
McKinney:
Collin County Health Care Services
825 N. Mc Donald St. # 130
McKinney, Texas 75069
Hours: Monday - Friday from 8 am-11 am and 1 pm-4 pm
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.
Day of Administration
Day of Reading
Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Thursday
Wednesday
Friday
Friday
Monday
Contact Information
Program Coordinator: Eva Best, MS, RN
Email: ebest@collincountytx.gov
Phone: 972-548-5532
Fax: 972-548-5550
