​Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test

Routine TB skin testing for the purposes of work or school are not currently being offered at the Brant County Health Unit.

Tuberculosis skin tests are publicly funded/covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for those accessing testing for reasons of medical screening. Examples include:

  • A person who has been identified as a contact of someone with active tuberculosis.

  • A person who has immigrated to Canada or arrived as a refugee from a country where TB is prevalent.

  • A person who has traveled to Canada as an international student from a country where TB is prevalent.

  • A person who has medical risk factors for tuberculosis as identified by a doctor.

TB skin tests are NOT publicly funded/covered by OHIP for those requiring a test for the purposes of employment, volunteering, or travel.

*Please note: Some workplaces in healthcare settings may provide TB skin testing services through their Employee Health department. If you work in a healthcare setting and a TB skin test is required by your employer, check if this service is offered through your workplace’s Employee Health Department.

Please contact your family doctor regarding TB Skin testing or see below for a list of TB skin test providers in Brantford and Brant County.

TB Skin Test providers in Brantford and Brant County:   

Last Updated: May 31, 2023         

Clinic

Location

Phone

Brantford Commons Medical

300 King George Road

519-304-8010

Conklin Medical

399 Conklin Road, Unit 303

519-759-3030

Grey Gretzky Medical

422 Grey Street

519-759-7444

Gane Yoh Health Centre
(Six Nations Clients Only)

1769 Chiefswood Road

519-445-2251

Paris Medical Centre

1070 Rest Acres Road

519-442-9999

*Contact the clinics for pricing information

For further information, contact Brant County Health Unit’s Infectious Diseases Department at 519-753-4937 ext. 454. 

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Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease that is spread by coughing. A TB skin test will show whether someone has been exposed to TB germs and may be done for the following reasons:

  • You have been in contact with a person who has infectious TB disease
  • It is a requirement for employment
  • To determine past exposure as part of a medical assessment
  • A small amount of fluid is injected under the skin of your arm. This is not a vaccination
  • After 2-3 days, a nurse or doctor will look at your arm
  • If a bump is present, it is measured with a ruler. Only bumps that are a large size are considered significant
  • If the skin test is positive, you will be asked to see your doctor. A chest x-ray will be done to see if TB disease is present.

There may be swelling or redness at the injection site, and slight discomfort such as itching.

A positive skin test means that you have been exposed to the TB germ at some time in your life. You have Inactive TB, or Latent TB. It does not mean you have tuberculosis disease. You will be referred to your family doctor for assessment. A chest x-ray is needed to determine if the TB germs have done any damage to your lungs. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent TB.

  • The TB skin test cannot give you Tuberculosis
  • You can still get the skin test even if you are pregnant or have history of previous pregnancy.
  • Keep a record of your TB skin test. A positive skin test is not usually repeated, as the test will continue to react positive.