Virginia TB screening guide
PPD Skin Test vs. QuantiFERON: TB Testing for Nursing School
If your Virginia nursing or allied-health program requires tuberculosis screening, you may see two common options: the PPD skin test, also called the TST or Mantoux test, and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test, an interferon-gamma release assay or IGRA.
The practical difference for students is simple: the skin test requires a placement visit and a return reading visit, while the blood test requires one blood draw. Some programs require a specific method, and some accept either. Always follow your program's current checklist because your school, clinical site, employer, or compliance platform makes the final acceptance decision.
Practiclear is a Virginia-only service designed to support QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus screening documentation for eligible students and health workers. Practiclear provides Labcorp requisition coordination when appropriate and clinician-reviewed documentation when appropriate. Practiclear does not diagnose or treat TB, make school acceptance decisions, or replace follow-up care.
Skin testing
What is the PPD skin test?
PPD, TST, and Mantoux test are terms students often see for the TB skin test. A trained health care worker places tuberculin under the skin on the forearm. The person being tested must return after two or three days, usually described as 48-72 hours, so a trained reader can measure the reaction.
If the reading window is missed, the skin test may need to be repeated. For people who will be tested periodically, such as health care personnel, a two-step skin test may be used for baseline screening when Mantoux TST is the method selected.
CDC also notes that BCG vaccine can cause a false-positive skin test reaction. People who received BCG should tell their health care provider before TB testing.
Blood testing
What is QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus?
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus is a TB blood test, also called an IGRA. CDC lists QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus as one of the TB blood tests approved for use in the United States.
TB blood tests require one visit with a health care provider for the blood draw. CDC says TB blood tests are preferred for people who received BCG vaccine and for people who have difficulty returning for a second appointment.
For baseline TB testing of health care personnel, CDC states that using a TB blood test does not require two-step testing.
At a glance
How they compare
Costs vary by site and payer status. Your program's checklist controls which test method is acceptable.
Follow-up
What a positive TB screen means
A positive TB screen means the test detected evidence that needs follow-up evaluation. It does not by itself diagnose active TB disease. CDC explains that after a positive TB test, a health care provider does additional testing to determine inactive TB or active TB disease, which may include chest X-ray and sputum testing.
Practiclear does not diagnose or treat TB. A positive or indeterminate result is routed to appropriate follow-up care.
Program requirements
Which test does my nursing program require?
Program requirements vary. Some schools require a specific testing method. Some accept either IGRA blood testing or TST skin testing. Some require testing within a certain window before clinical placement.
Before testing, check your current program checklist and compliance platform instructions. Submitting a file is not the same as being marked compliant; the reviewing school, clinical site, employer, or compliance platform makes the final acceptance decision.
Practiclear scope
How Practiclear can help
Practiclear is designed to support QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus screening documentation for eligible Virginia adults who need TB screening for nursing, allied-health, or workforce requirements.
The intended workflow includes the secure health form, Virginia nurse practitioner review, Labcorp requisition coordination when appropriate, a Labcorp draw, result review, and screening documentation when appropriate.
Practiclear does not provide TB diagnosis, TB treatment, or acceptance decisions for schools, employers, clinical sites, or compliance platforms.
Sources
Source note
Clinical testing information on this page is summarized from CDC tuberculosis testing guidance. School and clinical-site requirements vary, and official program instructions control.
Start here
Useful next steps before your deadline
TB testing FAQs
Common questions about PPD and QuantiFERON testing
These answers are general educational information. Always follow your program's current requirements.
Is a TB blood test better than a skin test?
Neither is universally better. They are different testing methods. A TB blood test requires one visit and is preferred for people who received BCG. A skin test may cost less in some settings but requires a return visit and sometimes two-step testing. Your program decides what it accepts.
Does my BCG vaccine affect my TB test?
BCG vaccine can cause a false-positive TB skin test reaction. CDC says TB blood tests are preferred for people who received BCG.
What does a positive TB screen mean?
A positive screen means further evaluation is needed. It does not by itself diagnose active TB disease. Follow up with your clinician, student health, occupational health, or health department.
Does Practiclear diagnose or treat TB?
No. Practiclear provides screening documentation support only. Positive or indeterminate results are referred for appropriate follow-up.
Which TB test does my nursing school require?
Requirements vary by program. Check your school's current checklist and compliance platform instructions.
How do I start with Practiclear?
Practiclear ordering starts with an eligibility check for eligible Virginia adults.