Tuberculosis (TB)

A Tuberculosis (TB) skin test is used to help identify people who may have TB infection. It is not used to diagnose current active TB disease.

TB screening in BC is indicated for:

  • People suspected of having TB disease
  • People at increased risk of TB infection
    • Recent or historical close contact to a case of respiratory TB disease
    • Born in a high TB incidence country (TB rate of 50 per 100,000)
    • Travel to a country with high TB incidence (TB rate of 50 per 100,000) for more than 3 months OR with high-risk contact (e.g. direct patient care in hospital, prison, homeless shelter, refugee camp, underserved inner city neighbourhood)
    • People who inject drugs and/or use inhaled crack/cocaine substances
    • People who live, work, or spend time in regions or settings where TB exposure may be increased related to: 
      • A community’s historical experience with TB (recurrent TB clusters and outbreaks)
      • A high incidence of TB disease related to a TB cluster or outbreak
      • Homelessness or being under housed
      • Residence is congregate settings (correctional facility, treatment programs)
  • People at increased risk of progression to TB disease if infected.
    • Recent contact to TB (especially children <5 years or adolescents)
    • People living with HIV
    • Silicosis
    • Chronic kidney disease on dialysis or end-stage
    • Transplant recipients
    • Certain cancers
    • Abnormal CXR (fibronodular disease, granuloma)
    • Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., biologics, prolonged steroids)
    • Diabetes
    • Heavy alcohol use
    • Smoking
    • Underweight / low BMI
  • People undergoing immigration medical surveillance.
  • Certain employees, students, and volunteers in specific workplace settings.

Fees apply for TB testing when:

  • International travelers request testing after travel to a high TB incidence country, without symptoms or known contact
  • Testing is required for school, volunteer, or employment purposes
  • Individuals self-refer and do not meet criteria for publicly funded testing

If you have any questions about TB skin testing, costs or payment options, please call your local public health unit or local travel clinic.

Travel clinics in Northern Health

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