TB Skin Testing
Are you looking for TB skin testing for your school or work? We offer convenient and reliable Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST), also known as the Mantoux test, for people from Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, Surrey, Coquitlam, and other cities from the Lower Mainland.
What is a TB Skin Test?
The Tuberculin Skin Test is a common method used to determine if someone has been exposed to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). It involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin (a purified protein derivative of TB bacteria) just under the skin. Two to three days later, you will need to return to have the injection site checked for a reaction. The size of the raised area (induration) is measured and interpreted by a healthcare professional to determine if the test is positive or negative.
Our Services:
We provide TB skin testing in a comfortable and professional environment. Our experienced healthcare professionals will administer the test and provide you with clear instructions for follow-up.
1-Step vs. 2-Step
1-Step TST: This is a single TST performed for most general screening purposes, such as for school admission, certain employment, or general health assessments. It involves one injection and one reading appointment.
2-Step TST: For some individuals, particularly those who require baseline testing (e.g., healthcare workers or those with a history of infrequent testing), a 2-step TST may be recommended. This involves two TSTs performed 1 to 3 weeks apart. The purpose of the second test is to detect a boosted immune response that might not be evident in a single test, providing a more accurate baseline for future screenings. If your employer or institution specifically requests a 2-step TST, please inform us when booking.
Cost:
The cost of the TB skin test is $75 plus GST.
What to Expect:
Appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment for the initial injection and a follow-up appointment 48-72 hours later for the reading.
The Test: The injection itself is quick and generally well-tolerated. You may experience a small, temporary bump at the injection site.
Reading: It is crucial that you return for the reading within 48-72 hours. An accurate reading is essential for proper interpretation of the results.
Results: We will provide you with the results and explain their meaning. If the test is positive, we will discuss further steps and referrals as needed. Further evaluation such as a chest X-ray or sputum samples may be required to rule out active TB disease. Our experienced healthcare professionals will guide you through the appropriate steps based on your individual results and requirements.
Important Information:
Please bring a list of any medications you are currently taking.
If you have had a previous positive TB test, please inform us when scheduling your appointment. You may not need another skin test. Alternative testing may be more appropriate.
If you have received a live vaccine (such as MMR or varicella) within the past month, please let us know as this may affect the accuracy of the TB skin test.
We do not perform the IGRA blood test. These are often used for individuals who have previously received the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, as the BCG vaccine can sometimes cause a false positive reaction with the TST. Canada currently approves two specific IGRA assays: QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Plus (QFT-Plus) and T-SPOT.TB (T-SPOT).
You can book your test by clicking here, calling us at 604-330-4282 or emailing us at info@anchormedicalclinic.ca.
