Are you in need of a Tuberculosis Skin Test (Mantoux) for school or employment purposes?
You can rely on our team of experienced doctors to deliver a seamless and comfortable testing experience.
Is Tuberculosis (TB) Testing for you?
Certain individuals should be prioritized for TB testing due to their elevated risk of TB infection. It is important to identify these individuals to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management. The following groups are considered at higher risk for TB infection:
Common Risk Factors for TB Infection:
- People who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with TB disease.
- Individuals from countries where TB disease is prevalent (Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia).
- People living or working in high-risk settings like correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.
- Healthcare workers caring for patients at an increased risk of TB disease.
- Infants, children, and adolescents exposed to adults at a higher risk for latent TB infection or TB disease.
- People with HIV infection.
- People who inject illegal drugs.
- Individuals with other diseases that weaken the immune system.
- Elderly individuals.
- Those who were not correctly treated for TB in the past.
TB testing is generally not necessary for individuals with a low risk of TB bacterial infection.
The Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Type
There are two primary types of tests available for otherwise healthy people needing TB screening for school or employment purposes: the TB skin test and Chest X-ray.
TB Skin Test
The TB skin test, also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST), involves two visits to a healthcare provider. During the first visit, a small amount of fluid (tuberculin) is injected into the skin on the lower arm. On the second visit, typically within 48 to 72 hours, a trained healthcare worker examines the arm for any raised, hard areas or swelling.
A positive skin test can mean that the person’s body has been infected with TB bacteria, requiring further tests to determine if it is a latent TB infection or TB disease. Sometimes, it can also be that the person has a false positive reaction because they received a BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine before.
A negative skin test suggests that the person’s body did not react to the test, making latent TB infection or TB disease unlikely.
Repeated TB skin tests pose no issue. However, if repeated, the additional test should be administered in a different location on the body, such as the other arm.
For children under the age of five, the TB skin test is the preferred method of testing
Chest X-ray
A positive result from a tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood test suggests that an individual has been infected with TB bacteria. However, this result doesn’t clarify whether the person has an active TB disease or a latent TB infection, which is asymptomatic and not contagious.
To make this distinction, a Chest X-ray is typically the next diagnostic step. The X-ray can reveal lung abnormalities that may indicate active TB, such as spots or lesions known as infiltrates or other changes associated with the disease. Detecting these signs is critical because active TB can be contagious and requires immediate treatment.
Conversely, if the Chest X-ray is clear, it suggests that the person may have a latent TB infection, which means the bacteria are present in the body but inactive, and the risk of transmission is minimal. In such cases, treatment may still be recommended to prevent the latent infection from becoming active TB disease
The Tuberculosis (TB) Procedure
Schedule Your Appointment
Conveniently schedule your TB skin test appointment with ease through our user-friendly online contact form. Simply fill in your details and preferred date and time, and our clinic will confirm your appointment promptly. Please keep in mind that you will need to return for a return visit between 48-72 hour time window after this first appointment, so choose your appointment time appropriately.
Visit the Clinic for Testing
Upon arrival at your scheduled appointment, our skilled healthcare professionals will administer the TB skin test by injecting a small amount of Tubersol just beneath the skin on your forearm. This quick and typically painless injection takes only a few seconds.
Return for the Reading
You will be required to revisit our clinic 48 to 72 hours after the injection for the reading of your TB skin test. During this follow-up visit, your forearm will be examined to assess any potential reactions.
Receive Your Results
After the reading, your results will be discussed with you. We will provide any necessary information regarding follow-up care or additional testing requirements based on your specific situation. Rest assured, our team will guide you through the process and address any concerns you may have.
Hours
- Mon – Fri 9 am to 5 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 12 pm
- Sun – Closed
Book Appointments
You may contact us directly via the contact form below