TB Skin Test

What is Tuberculosis and how is it spread?
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by germs that are spread through the air when a person with infectious TB coughs, sneezes or talks. Anybody nearby is at risk of breathing these air-borne TB germs into their lungs. The disease usually attacks the lungs, but sometimes it attacks the kidneys, brain or spine. It is a major cause of disability and death in people worldwide. People who have TB infection (not TB disease) cannot spread TB to others. Most people with TB infection will not get sick; however, some people will get sick with active TB disease, which is contagious.

Who should have the tuberculin skin test?
The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit performs two-step tuberculosis skin tests (Mantoux) on all new staff who:

• have not had a two-step tuberculin skin test in the past 12 months,
• have had a two-step tuberculin skin test in previous years, including annual testing, but have no documentation, or
• have not had a significant reaction to tuberculin. Those staff who are known to have significant reactions to tuberculin must provide a negative chest x-ray performed in the past 12 months.

Note: Staff who have a record of an initial two-step Mantoux TB skin test plus a record of annual testing may only require a single test.

Who should not have the tuberculin skin test?
Do not have a TB skin test if you:

• have had a significant reaction (≥ 10mm of induration),
• are allergic to any component of the vaccine,
• have had severe, blistering, tuberculin reactions in the past,
• have extensive burns or eczema,
• have documentation of active TB or documented treatment (active or passive) in the past, or
• have had MMR vaccine or other live vaccines in the past 4 weeks.

Note: Please let the nurse know if you have an immunosuppressed condition.

What to look for after the test:

• redness, soreness, or itchiness at the test site
• Allergic reactions such as hives, wheezing, or swelling of the face and mouth occur very rarely. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Call your doctor if you develop any symptoms that are severe or last more than a few days. Please note that serious side effects are very unlikely to occur and the benefits of the test are much greater than the risks.

For more information on the TB Skin Test, contact one of the numbers below and ask to speak to a Public Health Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.

**This test must be read 48-72 hours after administration. If more than 72 hours has passed, the test will need to be repeated.

Date/Time test will be read: ____________________________________________

(Adapted from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website June 06, 2005)