Get Tested

When to test

There are a wide variety of reasons why you may need to have TB screening. Visit your health care provider for a check-up if you have symptoms of TB disease or want to know if you have latent TB infection. Your health care provider will ask you health questions and order the appropriate tests. 

Reason for you to have TB screening may include that you:

• have signs or symptoms of active TB
• have been in contact with someone who has TB in their lungs that can spread from person to person
  
• work or volunteer in health care
• have health conditions such as HIV infection, cancer, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes
• have a low or weakened immune system from immunosuppressive medications
• are living in a communal setting such as a shelter, corrections, or a treatment program
  

What to expect

The testing for TB may be available at B.C. health units, travel health clinics, BCCDC TB clinics and some doctor's offices. 

For many people testing is free, but it depends on why you need the test. Tests for work, school or volunteering usually cost money. There are different types of tests that look for TB.  The type of test is chosen based on your medical history and sometimes a body (physical) exam.

Tests

TB skin test

The TB skin test involves 2 clinic visits, 48 to 72 hours apart. 

The tuberculin skin test shows whether or not you have the TB bacteria in your body. It is the most common test used for TB. The test cannot tell the difference between latent or active TB. At the first visit, a health care provider will inject a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the lower part of your arm. At the second appointment, a health care provider will read your body's reaction to the fluid.

• A negative TB skin test usually means that you do not have TB in your body. Most people do not need further testing. 
• A positive TB skin test means you might have TB in your body. Before a diagnosis can be made, more testing is needed. 

TB Skin Test Fact Sheet 

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TB blood test

A TB blood test may be offered to people who qualify. The TB blood test (called an IGRA) shows whether or not you have the TB bacteria in your body. It is often used instead of a TB skin test if you have a weakened immune system or if you've been vaccinated for TB in the past. The test cannot differentiate between latent or active TB. At a clinic visit, a health care provider will draw a sample of your blood, usually from your arm.

• A negative TB blood test usually means that you do not have TB in your body. Most people do not need further testing.
• A positive TB blood test means you might have TB in your body. Before a diagnosis can be made, more testing is needed. 

TB Blood Test Fact Sheet (IGRA)

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Chest x-ray

A chest x-ray may be offered to some people. A chest x-ray is a picture of your lungs. It is often used after you have had a positive TB skin or blood test to see if TB has affected your lungs. If there are changes it's more likely you may have active TB.

Sputum test

Sputum tests may be offered to some people. A sputum test looks at the mucus from in your lungs. It can help determine if you have active TB and how likely you are to pass it to someone else. Learn more by reading the HealthlinkBC file: Sputum collection for TB testing.

Getting results

The way you get your TB test results will depend on the type of test that you had.  If you had a TB skin test your health care provider will tell you the results are the second appointment, explain what they mean, and let you know if you require more testing.  For other types of TB tests, the results may take several weeks.  When you get tested ask your health care provider how you will get your results and when they will be ready.  It is important to follow-up on your results.

Confidentiality

Any information shared with your health care provider is confidential, including test results.  When you go for TB testing you may be asked to provide personal information.  This is used to give the best health care, order tests, and contact you with results.  If you are concerned about confidentiality talk to your health care provider.

TB Care

Just Diagnosed

If you have just found out that you have active or latent TB you may be overwhelmed and have a lot of questions.  It's important to know that it's not your fault and you're not alone.  TB is treatable and your health care provider will help figure out the best care and support for you.

If you have found out that you have Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) disease, we have a fact sheet for you.

TB is treatable and most often curable with medications; however, TB germs have a waxy coat and can be very difficult to kill.  A health care provider will help you decide what treatment is best for you.

Active TB Disease

• This disease needs a combination of medications to be cured. 
• The medications must be taken for a minimum of 6 months. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment. 
• You will be followed (monitored) by health care providers throughout your treatment.

Latent TB Infection

• The medications can prevent TB from becoming active and you may never get sick
• Deciding whether you want to treat latent TB infection is your choice, and a health care provider will help you make decisions related to your care.
  
• Treatment usually only requires one medication. However, because the TB germs are difficult to kill, this medication needs to be taken for about 4-9 months. 
  

Health care providers will support and monitor you throughout your treatment. TB medications are generally safe. However, like any medication, they must be used carefully and side effects can occur. Learn more about TB and NTM medications by reading our fact sheets and discussing any questions with your health care provider.

TB Medication Fact Sheets