If you’ve ever searched “Where can I get a TB skin test?” or wondered why you need one, you’re not alone. TB skin testing is commonly required for school, work, healthcare roles, or before beginning certain medications. This simple test plays a role in identifying potential tuberculosis infections before they become active or contagious. Whether you’re preparing for a new job or entering a post-secondary program, or even before starting certain immunosuppressive medications, understanding how TB skin testing works and where to get tested ensures you meet necessary requirements quickly and efficiently.
Understanding the Importance of TB Skin Testing
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial disease that spreads through the air when a person with untreated TB disease of the lungs coughs, sneezes, or speaks. While it most commonly affects the lungs, TB can also infect other parts of the body, like glands, bones, joints, kidneys, brain, and reproductive organs.
While the risk of TB in Canada is low, it remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 10.8 million people became sick with TB worldwide in 2023, and a total of 1.25 million people died from the disease that year. TB is curable. In British Columbia, medication to prevent or cure TB is free through Provincial TB Services and public health units.
One of the most effective ways to screen for a TB infection is through a TB skin test, a simple procedure that helps detect latent TB infection —a condition where the bacteria are present in the body but are “sleeping” and do not cause symptoms and cannot be spread to others. Although a TB infection is not contagious, the bacteria can wake up and develop into active TB disease if left untreated.
That’s why understanding what TB skin testing is and why it matters is essential. Early detection through routine TB skin testing plays a vital role in protecting not just your own health, but also the well-being of your workplace, school, and community.
What Is TB Skin Testing?
A TB skin test (also called the Mantoux test) is a method used to detect if a person has a TB infection. A TB skin test is done to check if a person has ever been exposed to TB germs. This test alone cannot tell whether the bacteria are “sleeping” (latent TB infection) or “awake” (active TB disease).
How Is a TB Skin Test Done?
A TB skin test is a quick and simple process. A small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected under the skin of your forearm. This substance is a protein derived from the TB bacteria, but it cannot cause illness.
You’ll then return to the clinic within 48 to 72 hours for your results. If your body reacts to the TB protein by forming a raised bump, you may have been exposed to TB bacteria. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have TB —further testing, such as a chest X-ray or a TB blood test, will be needed to confirm that.
What Not to Do After a TB Skin Test
There aren’t too many things you can’t do after a TB test. The main things to avoid after your test are scratching the site, covering it with a bandage, or applying lotions. If the injection site feels itchy or sore, applying a cold compress can help ease discomfort. You can do all other activities as normal – there is no issue with showering, swimming, exercising or any food or drink restrictions.
What do TB Skin Test Results Mean?
-
A negative TB skin test typically means that you do not have TB germs in your body. Most people do not need further testing.
-
A positive TB skin test means you may have TB germs in your body
-
A positive result does not mean you cannot go to school, work or volunteering, but you may need more tests, including a chest x-ray, to make sure you do not have active TB disease.
-
A positive TB skin test means you do not need to have another TB skin test in the future. Keep a record of your positive results as proof.
-
How long are TB skin tests good for?
That depends on your situation, but generally, TB skin test results are valid for 6 months to one year. For some workplaces, results may be valid for several years if remaining at the same job. However, some employers or institutions may require updated results periodically.
Where Can I Get a TB Skin Test?
TMVC makes TB skin testing easy. As a trusted TB skin test centre, we provide convenient, professional, and efficient TB testing for individuals at 12 locations across BC. Our trained nurses are qualified to conduct, assess, and follow up on TB skin tests in accordance with BC Centre for Disease Control guidelines. The nurse will provide a certificate of the TB skin test results that you can then give to your school, employer, or doctor. For more information about your TB skin test appointment, please refer to this blog.
It’s easy to book your TB skin test appointments with a Registered Nurse at TMVC. The Nurse will be able to answer any questions you have related to TB skin testing. Simply call us at 1-888-288-8682.
