Tuberculosis
(TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can
attack any part of the body -- the kidney, spine and brain. If not
treated properly, TB can be fatal. TB was once the leading cause of
death in the United States. You will need a PPD test. Learn more about
TB at the CDC's TB site.
TB Clinics
Diagnostic
TB (Chest) Clinics are held monthly KCHD in downtown Charleston. Some
reasons you may need to come to our TB Clinics could include a positive
PPD test, abnormal chest x-ray, previous treatment for latent TB,
exposure to a person who has active TB, and treatment for active/latent
Tuberculosis.S
While you are at our clinic, you can expect to have a
chest x-ray, provide a detailed health history to determine possible
exposures to TB, and be seen by a West Virginia state TB physician who
will help you chose your best choice for treatment and follow-up, all
free of cost.
Watch our calendar on the home page for upcoming clinics and call us to let us know you are coming. 304-348-8080
PPD Testing
PPDs
are performed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. at our Lee Street location. You must be able to return 48 to 72
hours after for staff to read your results, so plan accordingly. Some
people require lab work, if indicated. KCHD staff will be more than
happy to help guide you through this process.