Pediatric Tuberculosis (TB) Program

We offer family-centered care for children with or at risk for tuberculosis.
Pediatric Tuberculosis (TB) Program

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Complete tuberculosis care for children

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body. Anyone can get TB, but children under age 5 are more likely to get sick from it and develop serious health complications.

At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer TB testing and treatment for children of all ages with or at risk for TB. We also offer compassionate, culturally sensitive education and prevention strategies to help families stay healthy.

Specialized expertise in childhood TB

Our program gives you and your child access to the region's top infectious disease specialists. They have extensive experience evaluating children for TB and serve as pediatric TB consultants for Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

In partnership with local health departments across Northern California, we make sure children get the best possible care. We're also a trusted resource on TB clinical guidelines for community physicians and trainees.

TB testing and treatment

Our experts use the latest, evidence-based tests to detect latent and active TB infections. Latent means you have TB bacteria in your body but don't have symptoms or feel sick yet. An active TB infection means you have symptoms.

We offer:

As part of the Division of Infectious Diseases, we can connect you with any type of specialist your child needs. We admit patients with serious symptoms or health complications to the hospital, where they receive attentive, family-centered care.

Providers

Awards & achievements

Recognized nationally for excellence, we pair world-class medical expertise with compassionate care to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
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  • U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals 2026-2027, ranked in 11 specialties

    Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

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Related conditions & treatments

  • Conditions
    • Latent Tuberculosis
    • Tuberculosis
  • Treatments
    • Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Support services

  • Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
  • Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
  • social-services-2x
    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
  • activity-rooms-2x
    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
  • art-therapy-program-2x
    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
  • music-program-2x
    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
  • school-program-2x
    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
  • school-re-entry-program-2x
    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
  • individual-playtime-and-tutoring-2x
    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
  • interpreters-2x
    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
  • We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.
  • family-support-program-2x
    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
  • patient-relations-2x
    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
  • spiritual-care-2x
    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
  • international-services-2x
    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.