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The Health Unit DOES NOT provide the TB skin test for school or employment purposes.
The TB skin test is offered to contacts of positive TB cases (free of charge).
Please visit a doctor for a TB skin test if you need one for school or employment.
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Check with your school as they may provide the test free-of-charge if it is required for the program in which you are enrolled.
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Click on the links below to learn more about the TB skin test.
This simple test is done to see if you are sensitive to the tuberculosis bacteria.
You should be tested if you:
- have been in contact with a person who has tuberculosis
- are going to live in a Long Term Care Facility
- are starting to work in a Health Care Facility
- are required by your employer, to have pre-employment or annual testing
- have travelled or will be travelling to certain countries
You may be asked to have the TB skin test done again, one to four weeks after the first time. This is called the "two step" test. It makes the result more accurate. You cannot get tuberculosis from having the skin test done.
A small amount of the test liquid is placed by needle just under the skin of the forearm. This makes a little bump that goes away soon. Two to three days later, the same doctor or nurse who gave you the test should look at your arm. If there is nothing there, the test is negative. If there is some swelling, the doctor or nurse will measure it and decide if the test is positive.
A positive TB skin test means that you should see your doctor for further tests. It does not mean that you have tuberculosis.
If you have a very strong positive reaction, your arm where the TB skin test was done may be itchy and sore for awhile. In rare cases, the skin may break down where the test was done or leave a scar.
If you need a TB skin test, please talk to your health care provider.
The Health Unit will provide TB skin tests to anyone who has been identified as a potential contact of someone with TB. If you have been notified that you were a potential TB contact and are requested to get a TB skin test, the Health Unit will provide the test free of charge.
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