Testing - TB / HIV / Lead 

Testing Programs  

The Hamilton County Health Department (HCHD) provides testing for various diseases and conditions to identify those who will benefit from treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB) Mantoux Tests 

Tests are given on Monday and Tuesday 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM either by appointment or walk-in.   To schedule an appointment call 317-776-8500 and ask to speak to a nurse.  You must return on Thursday of the same week as instructed to have the TB test read.  Automated appointment reminders will be sent by phone or text to those who schedule an appointment.  

• The cost is $20 for this service.  We accept cash, credit, or debit payments. There is a small convenience fee when using credit or debit cards. 
• TB tests are not given the week of Thanksgiving or the last 2 weeks of the year, and our office is closed for all government holidays.
• If the reason you are getting a TB test is due to exposure to an active case of TB, please call our office at 317-776-8500 to discuss with a nurse.

Who should be screened for TB?

• Close contacts of persons known or suspected to have TB, i.e. those sharing the same household or other enclosed environments
• Persons infected with HIV
• Persons who have certain clinical conditions known to increase the risk for disease if infection occurs
• Persons with a history of inadequately treated TB
• Persons who inject illicit drugs
• Residents and employees of high-risk congregate settings (i.e. nursing homes, correctional facilities, mental institutions, other long-term care facilities, and homeless shelters)
• Health-care workers who serve high-risk clients
• Persons born outside the U.S. and Canada, including children. Prior vaccination with BCG is not a contraindication for testing, nor does it affect the treatment protocol.
• Some medically under-served, low-income populations, including high-risk racial and ethnic groups
• Infants, children, and adolescents exposed to adults in high-risk categories
• Locally defined high prevalence groups (substance abusers, migrant workers, the homeless) 

Required Tests

Some jobs or facilities that require TB tests:

• Employees of licensed childcare facilities
• Health Care workers
• Colleges or Universities
• Foster parents/family
• Community Corrections (Work Release)
• Immigrants/Refugees 

HIV Testing

Hamilton County Health Department (HCHD) offers free HIV, Hepatitis C and Syphilis testing for anyone who is at risk.  Theses tests include pre- and post-test counseling sessions. HCHD, along with Riverview Health, provides STD/STI testing.  Please call our office at 317-776-8500 to schedule a confidential appointment.

Lead Screening & Testing 

Lead screening for children ages 6months through 6 years old is available (at no cost). Testing is done by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 317-776-8500.   Testing is also offered during immunization clinics.  

New guidelines went into effect January 1, 2023 in Indiana that requires all providers serving children to offer lead testing to their patients in accordance with the timetable below.  

• Children should receive a blood lead test between the ages of nine (9) and fifteen (15) months, or as close as reasonably possible. 
• Children should have another blood lead test between the ages of twenty-one (21) and twenty-seven (27) months, or as close as reasonably possible. 
• Any child between twenty-eight (28) and seventy-two (72) months that does not have a record of any prior blood test must be offered a blood lead as soon as possible. 
• Children enrolled in Medicaid must be tested at 12 months and 24 months. 

 To learn more about Lead Hazards and Health Protection, see the Lead Hazards page.
 
 

Updated July 11, 2023