TB Skin Testing at Lambton Public Health
Lambton Public Health only administers TB skins tests for medical purposes. Individuals must bring proper documentation from their healthcare provider. Contact Lambton Public Health to see if you qualify and to book your appointment.
We do not administer TB skin tests for employment, volunteer, or school purposes.
Please check with your primary healthcare provider to see if they provide TB skin testing. Please also check with your workplace occupational health to see if they provide TB skin testing. All students needing a TST for educational reasons from Lambton College should contact the college directly to complete the test through the Student Wellness Center.
Other TB Testing Locations
Bayshore Home Health Sarnia
49 Finch Dr. #8, Sarnia, ON N7S 5C6
(519) 383-6979
SMG Pharmacy
494 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON N7T 5W4
519-491-3434 or 905-741-8149
Fax: 519-491-0034
St. Clair Physician Group
233 Cameron St, Corunna, ON N0N 1G0
(519) 813-9800
The London Travel Clinic
1695 Wonderland Rd N Unit 2B, London, ON N6G 4W3
(519)-432-5508
More Information about Tuberculosis (TB)
TB Infection and TB Disease
TB infection occurs when a person has TB bacteria in their body (normally their lungs), but their immune system is able to prevent the bacteria from making them sick. The TB bacteria are essentially ‘sleeping’ in the body. During this time, the bacteria is not making the individual sick, and not contagious to others (will not transmit TB to anyone else).
TB disease occurs when a person has TB bacteria in their body (normally their lungs), and their immune system cannot stop the bacteria from making them sick. If a person has TB disease, they feel sick (list of symptoms include – a bad cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks, chest pain, weakness or tiredness, unexpected weight loss, a lack of appetite, chills, fever, and/or night sweats).
Both TB infection and TB disease can be treated with antibiotics. TB treatment is free and accessible for all people through Lambton Public Health.
For more information about tuberculosis symptoms and treatment, please visit: Tuberculosis: Symptoms and treatment – Canada.ca
TB Skin Testing
A TB skin test is used to screen for tuberculosis. A TB skin test indicates if you have been exposed to TB (if the germ is in your body). It cannot differentiate if you have TB infection or TB disease. If the skin test shows that the TB germ is in your body (the test is positive), a Public Health Nurse will arrange necessary follow-up care.
For a skin test, you will have a small amount of non-infectious tuberculosis protein injected under the skin of your arm. This protein cannot spread the disease. It takes 48-72 hours for the skin to react to the injection. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment 2-3 days after your initial appointment so that a Public Health Nurse can read the test. You must be able to attend the follow-up appointment for it to be a valid test.
One-Step vs. Two-Step TB Skin Tests
A one-step TB skin test includes injecting the protein under your skin and having it read 48-72 hours later.
A two-step TB test is required to establish a baseline. An initial test is completed and reads in the 48–72-hour timeframe. If the initial test is positive, an additional TB skin test is not completed. If the initial test is negative, a second test is completed one to four weeks after the initial test and read again 48 hours later.
Once an individual has received a documented two-step skin test, they do not require an additional two-step skin test again.
Positive TB Skin Tests
A positive TB skin test could indicate that a person has a TB germ in their body and a Public Health Nurse will arrange follow-up investigations, which may include confirmatory blood work (IGRA), and or a referral to a Respirologist (lung doctor specialist) for treatment or monitoring options.