Latent Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
The Public Health Department offers treatment for latent TB, sometimes called inactive TB or LTBI. This type of TB is not contagious but can lead to serious illness. Most people with latent TB don't know they have it. It is a dormant, or "asleep," version of the disease that does not make you sick right away. Untreated latent TB germs can "wake up" and cause active infection. Treating latent TB takes time, but we will be there to support you along the way!
If you are a healthcare provider, you can find treatment guidance from the California Tuberculosis Controllers Association and contact us for consultation if needed.
What is the process?
Get Tested for TB
A TB test is the only way to know if you have it. If you have ever gotten a positive TB skin or blood test, let us know. The Public Health Department offers TB testing and will perform a blood test, called a QuantiFERON test, to confirm if you have TB. Contact us to arrange your test.
Get a Chest X-Ray
If your blood test is positive, you will need to get a chest x-ray. Public Health can help arrange this service. This x-ray will determine if you have active or latent TB.
Speak with Public Health
If you received a TB test at Public Health, or another provider's office, you may receive a call from our office regarding your test results. During this call, a nurse will explain what TB is, the difference between latent and active TB, and suggest you start treatment.
Pick Up Your Prescription
Once you sign up for treatment, we will order the medicine at a pharmacy near you. You will need to pick up the medication and bring it to your first appointment with Public Health.
Start the 12-Week Treatment
At your first appointment, Public Health staff will explain the medication to you and how to take it. They will assist you in creating a plan and set up any follow-up appointments. In most cases, treatment for latent TB is completed within 12 weeks.
Get an Exam
After you have taken the TB medication for 1 month, you will need to come back for an exam. A doctor will examine you to ensure the medicine is working.
Finish Your Medication
You will need to continue taking the TB medicine until your treatment is done. It is important that you take the medicine on the schedule you created with a nurse.
Get Your Certificate
During your last week of treatment, you will need to come back to the office. We will provide you with a certificate showing you have treated your latent TB. After a latent TB infection, all future TB blood and skin tests will be positive. Be sure to bring the certificate to all medical appointments.
Who is eligible?
Anyone in SLO County who has ever received a medical diagnosis of latent TB is eligible to receive treatment at Public Health.
If you have spent a lot of time with someone who has TB, or were born in or have spent more than 1 month in a country where TB is endemic, it is a good idea to get a TB skin test to see if you have latent TB.
Is there a charge for this service?
You may be eligible to receive latent TB treatment at no cost if you are eligible for Medi-Cal or CenCal. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for CenCal; our Healthcare Access & Navigation Team can help you enroll. Other insurances may cover a portion or all of the treatment.
If you do not have insurance and wish to treat latent TB, Public Health will provide the medication at cost. Contact us to learn more and review your available options.
When and where is this service offered?
This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays. To get started, call us at 805-781-5500 or contact us online.
