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| Does Your Child Wear a Helmet When Riding A Bicycle? |
TTuberculosis screening is available at the following health unit offices:
Belleville Office Every Tuesday 1-4 pm
Trenton Office 1st & 3rd Wednesday 1-4 pm
Bancroft By appointment only 613-332-4555
* Please note that all clients who have a TB skin test must return to the health unit 48 hours later to have their test read to determine if the test is negative or positive.
The cost is $20 for anyone who requests the test on behalf of a third party (i.e. pre-employment, school registration, volunteer).
Individuals who require TB skin tests for the following reasons are exempt from the $20 fee:
• contacts of a case of TB
• clients who require a skin test for medical reasons
• individuals who are being followed up under medical surveillance
For more information, call the Health Unit at 613-966-5513 ext. 349.
TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacteria (germ). TB usually causes disease in the lungs, but may affect other parts of the body. TB is only contagious when diagnosed as active disease in the lungs or larynx. It is spread by coughing. Usually, close prolonged contact is required for transmission. Symptoms of TB include fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, coughing, and chest pain. When someone has symptoms from TB, we say the person has active TB disease.
Tuberculosis is now preventable and curable with proper antibiotic treatment. Only a small percentage of people exposed to the TB germ ever get active TB disease.
Why Do I Need a Tuberculin Skin Test?
A TB skin test will show whether someone has been exposed to TB germs. A TB skin test is done for the following reasons: you are a contact of a person who has infectious TB disease, it is a requirement of employment or to determine past exposure as part of a medical assessment.
What is a TB Skin Test?
TB skin test fluid contains a form of killed TB germs. A tiny amount of this test fluid is injected just under the skin of your forearm. This is not a vaccination. The skin test cannot give you tuberculosis. The skin test is able to detect TB antibodies. The test site must be read within 48-72 hours to determine if the test is negative or positive. Only reactions of a certain size are considered significant.
What Reaction Can I Expect at the Test Site?
There may be swelling or redness at the test site and slight discomfort such as itching.
Does a Positive Skin Test Mean that I have Turberculosis?
A positive skin test means that you have been exposed to the TB germ at sometime in your life. You have TB infection. It does not mean you have tuberculosis disease. You will be referred to your family doctor for assessment. A chest x-ray will be necessary to determine if the TB germs have done any damage to your lungs. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent TB.
Additional Information
Pregnancy or history of previous BCG are not contraindications to receiving this test. Keep a record of your TB skin test. A documented positive skin test is usually not repeated as the test will continue to react positive.
And Remember:
• Tuberculosis is contagious if active in the lungs or larynx.
• A TB skin test can determine if you have been exposed to TB germs.
• Medication is effective in preventing and curing tuberculosis.
Related Links:
Other Resources:
Belleville Office Every Tuesday 1-4 pm
Trenton Office 1st & 3rd Wednesday 1-4 pm
Bancroft By appointment only 613-332-4555
* Please note that all clients who have a TB skin test must return to the health unit 48 hours later to have their test read to determine if the test is negative or positive.
The cost is $20 for anyone who requests the test on behalf of a third party (i.e. pre-employment, school registration, volunteer).
Individuals who require TB skin tests for the following reasons are exempt from the $20 fee:
• contacts of a case of TB
• clients who require a skin test for medical reasons
• individuals who are being followed up under medical surveillance
For more information, call the Health Unit at 613-966-5513 ext. 349.
TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacteria (germ). TB usually causes disease in the lungs, but may affect other parts of the body. TB is only contagious when diagnosed as active disease in the lungs or larynx. It is spread by coughing. Usually, close prolonged contact is required for transmission. Symptoms of TB include fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, coughing, and chest pain. When someone has symptoms from TB, we say the person has active TB disease.
Tuberculosis is now preventable and curable with proper antibiotic treatment. Only a small percentage of people exposed to the TB germ ever get active TB disease.
Why Do I Need a Tuberculin Skin Test?
A TB skin test will show whether someone has been exposed to TB germs. A TB skin test is done for the following reasons: you are a contact of a person who has infectious TB disease, it is a requirement of employment or to determine past exposure as part of a medical assessment.
What is a TB Skin Test?
TB skin test fluid contains a form of killed TB germs. A tiny amount of this test fluid is injected just under the skin of your forearm. This is not a vaccination. The skin test cannot give you tuberculosis. The skin test is able to detect TB antibodies. The test site must be read within 48-72 hours to determine if the test is negative or positive. Only reactions of a certain size are considered significant.
What Reaction Can I Expect at the Test Site?
There may be swelling or redness at the test site and slight discomfort such as itching.
Does a Positive Skin Test Mean that I have Turberculosis?
A positive skin test means that you have been exposed to the TB germ at sometime in your life. You have TB infection. It does not mean you have tuberculosis disease. You will be referred to your family doctor for assessment. A chest x-ray will be necessary to determine if the TB germs have done any damage to your lungs. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent TB.
Additional Information
Pregnancy or history of previous BCG are not contraindications to receiving this test. Keep a record of your TB skin test. A documented positive skin test is usually not repeated as the test will continue to react positive.
And Remember:
• Tuberculosis is contagious if active in the lungs or larynx.
• A TB skin test can determine if you have been exposed to TB germs.
• Medication is effective in preventing and curing tuberculosis.
Related Links:
Other Resources:
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