The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) TB program will conduct Tuberculosis (TB) screening by appointment only.
Please call (626) 744-6121 for more information. The TB Chest Clinic is open on Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Pasadena Public Health Department Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic provides tuberculosis screening, treatment services and case management to control and prevent transmission of tuberculosis in the Pasadena community. If tuberculosis is detected, a patient will receive:
- A medical check-up by a doctor who specializes in pulmonary lung diseases
- Chest X-ray
- Close follow-up “case management” by a Public Health Nurse (PHN) throughout the course of treatment
- Prescribed medicine
- Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) by trained staff
Case Management
Case management is a process that coordinates resources and referrals for patients to support them in appropriately managing their TB disease.
Directly Observed Therapy
Under Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), clinic staff assist patients with taking prescribed medicines to treat TB disease by directly observing them take their medicines. This promotes compliance by ensuring the correct dose is taken at the correct time, during the entire course of treatment.
The goal of DOT is to prevent:
- Development of drug resistance
- Transmission of infection or disease
- Support medication adherence
- Provide patient support
Updated TB Screening Requirements for the School-aged Population
In congruence with the most current public health and medical guidelines, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the TB testing policy for school-aged students has been revised. Effective June 9, 2014, the current universal testing policy will expand the universal screening population to students entering pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to be tested if they are at elevated risk for TB. See below for the policy addendum.
This updated policy will avoid potential false positive results, lower the childhood exposure to unnecessary chest x-rays, and prevent treatment regimens that may have harmful side effects. As a Pasadena Provider, you will assess children for risk of TB exposure during annual physical examinations, as outlined in the Sample Pediatric TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire, below.
Children will receive TB testing only if they are at increased risk of TB, which is indicated in the “Health Care Provider Follow-Up” column of the questionnaire. Complete and sign the form, PM 171 A, “Report of Health Examination for School Entry,” and provide to the school as documentation of physical examination prior to school enrollment.
See below for more information:
- Addendum to School TB Policy
- 2012-Updated TB Screening Requirement Policy Statement
- Pediatric TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire
- PM 171 A Report of Health Examination for School Entry
TB Clinic Fees
- TB Clearance for Immigrants (Including X-Rays) = $112.00
- Regular Exam for Employment for School and Volunteer Clearance with previous history of positive skin test (Including X-Rays) = $62.00
- TB Record Replacement = $26.00
Tuberculosis Resources
For more information about tuberculosis disease treatment, prevention and control, please visit the following agency websites.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tuberculosis Branch
- TB Prevention Materials for Public Health Professionals
- California Tuberculosis Controllers Association
- Uniting for Ukraine: Tuberculosis Information and Resources