FAQs – TB2U

Frequently Asked Questions

My employer says that I need Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) but you are advising I can be cleared by a TB Risk Assessment and/or Symptom Screen. What should I do?

TB2U follows the guidelines outlined by the Hawaii State Department of Health Tuberculosis Control Program. With the implementation of a TB Risk Assessment for some low-risk individuals in certain scenarios, a TST is not always required to obtain TB Clearance. If the entity (e.g. employer, school) requesting TB clearance specifically requests a TST, I would advise you to follow comply with their request despite the Hawaii DOH Tuberculosis Control Program recommendation.

What is the difference between a Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), 2-step TST, and an IGRA?

TST: A TST is an injection of a small amount of testing fluid (a derivative of the tuberculin purified protein) directly under the skin to produce a small bump at a clinic. You must return to the clinic 48-72 hours later so that a healthcare professional can inspect the area for any hardness or swelling. If you arrive outside of the window for any reason, the test must be repeated.

2-step TST: the 2-step TST is essentially the TST, done twice. Although Hawaii’s TB Branch is an advocate of “3 visit” protocol, most entities requesting a method requiring four visits to a clinic. Minimally, it will take a patient 10-12 days to complete, with either 3 or 4 carefully timed visits to a clinic.

Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA): IGRA, or Interferon Gamma Release Assay, is a blood test to detect a tuberculosis infection in the body. Per the Hawaii State DOH Tuberculosis Control Program, the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test is an acceptable alternative to a TST or a 2 step. It will require one virtual visit with TB2U, and one walk-in visit to any Clinical Labs of Hawaii for a lab draw. At TB2U, we order the QuantiFERON-TB Gold plus, one of the two commercially available IGRA tests.

I have Medicare insurance, and they do not cover any TB Clearance methods/I do not have Insurance.

Unfortunately, most traditional Medicare plans do not cover asymptomatic Tuberculosis Clearance via TST, 2-step TST, IGRA or Assessment. At TB2U, our services are competitively priced compared to local clinics, while also providing significance convenience by performing the services same day and virtually.

I have health insurance. How do I know if the service will be covered?

TB2U is proudly accepted by HMSA, HMAA, and UHA. Payment by your insurance is specific to the type of plan you have and covered benefits. Please contact your insurance provider to determine whether or not a laboratory test or assessment is covered by your plan prior to your visit.

I need TB clearance by a 2-step TST or IGRA as soon as possible. What is the quickest way to get cleared and how long will it take?

A traditional 2-step TST at a health clinic will minimally take 10-12 days.

Clearance via IGRA, an acceptable alternative to a TST or 2-step TST per the DOH, can by completed in 2-3 days.

After your TB2U visit via telehealth today, you present to CLH for the lab test at your earliest convenience. Per CLH, the results of the test will be available in 2-3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Let TB Documentation Delay Your Enrollment or Employment

Don’t Let
TB Documentation Delay
Your Enrollment or Employment