Tuberculosis Testing Process for Employees in Long-term Care Homes
For the safety and well-being of our long-term care residents, all Niagara Region employees working in a long-term care home are required to complete and successfully pass the two-step tuberculosis (TB) testing. Here is the information you require to complete the TB test.
TB testing is mandatory and the Ministry of Health Communicable Disease Surveillance legislation for health care workers requires that all employees be tested for TB. The procedure must be followed and documented to support that a TB baseline screening has been properly administered.
Process and Requirements
A TB skin test otherwise known as a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) is done in two parts, which requires four visitors to the doctor.
Get started
Call your doctor or clinic and book four appointments. Visit the same doctor for all four visits.
Step 1: Test administered
Print out the TB form to bring to your doctor's appointments.
Your first visit to the doctor's office or clinic, a small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin (usually in the forearm). Tuberculin is a sterile extract purified protein derivative made from the bacteria that cause TB. After receiving the injection, a small, pale bump will form at the site.
Step 2: Review results of TB test with doctor
This review must be between 48 to 72 hours of first visit.
Step 3: Test two administered
This test can be 7 to 21 days after first visit.
Step 4: Review results of TB test 2 with doctor
This review must be between 48 and 72 hours of second visit.
Submit your form
Submit your completed form for the Mantoux testing to Niagara Region headquarters by noon on the stated due date. Maintain a copy for your records.
| Appointment | When | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | As soon as possible | April 4 |
| 2 | 48-72 hours after appointment 1 | April 6 |
| 3 | 7-21 days after appointment 1 | April 15 |
| 4 | 48-72 hours after appointment 3 | April 17 |
What to do if you already have a TB test complete
TB two-step test completed less than one year old from your hire date
If you have a current TB two-step test (which requires four appointments with your doctor) that is less than one year old from your hire date, then you are not required to take these tests again. Ensure you submit your previous completed TB one-step and two-step tests to Human Resources.
TB two-step test completed more than one year from your hire date
If you have a current TB two-step test completed more than one year ago, you will need to complete a new TB one-step test (two appointments with your doctor). Provide a copy of your previous full TB two-step completed test prior and your new TB one-step test to Human Resources.
What to do if you test positive for TB
If you test positive for TB, we need a chest x-ray that states you do not have active TB. The chest x-ray documents must be less than one year old from your hire date.
Where to go to complete your TB test
It is important that you book an appointment as soon as possible with your doctor or clinic to ensure you allow enough time to have both tests (if required) completed prior to noon on your stated due date.
Resources
- Tuberculosis information
- Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Tuberculosis Protocol
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
