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TB Skin Testing in Bedford, Nova Scotia

Need a tuberculosis (TB) skin test for work, school, volunteering, or another requirement?

Book TB Skin Testing
tb skin test
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Pharmacy Health Services

TB Skin Testing

Tuberculin skin testing is available by appointment at Bedford Guardian Pharmacy, 535 Larry Uteck Blvd, Bedford, Nova Scotia.

The TB skin test costs $60.00.

Before booking, please confirm whether you require a one-step or two-step TB skin test. Your employer, school, or organization requesting the test should be able to tell you which one you need.

Book TB Skin Test Appointment

What is a TB skin test?

A tuberculosis skin test, also called a tuberculin skin test (TST), Mantoux test, or TB skin test, determines whether your immune system has reacted to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). A small amount of tuberculin is injected just under the skin of your forearm. You must return to the pharmacy to have the test site examined and measured.

TB skin testing is commonly requested for employment, healthcare work, school programs, clinical placements and volunteer positions. You can learn more about tuberculosis and how it is diagnosed from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

One-Step and Two-Step Tuberculosis Skin Testing

Before booking your appointment, find out whether you need a one-step or two-step TB skin test. If you require a two-step test, you will need to book the second step separately.

One-step TB skin test

Visit 1 – Tuesday
Your TB skin test is administered.

Visit 2 – Thursday
You return 48 hours later, at the same appointment time, to have the test read.

Two-step TB skin test

A two-step TB skin test consists of two separate TB skin tests and requires four pharmacy visits in total.

The second TB skin test is performed 1 to 4 weeks after the first test. Each test requires an administration appointment followed by a return visit to have the result read.

Your TB Skin Test Appointment

  • Bring your Nova Scotia Health Card.
  • Wear a short-sleeved shirt so your forearm can be easily accessed.
  • Wear a mask if you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Arrive approximately 2 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • Plan to remain at the pharmacy for 15 minutes after your appointment.
  • Make sure you can return 48 hours later at the same time to have your test read.

Vaccines and TB skin testing

Some live vaccines can affect the response to a TB skin test.

If you recently received a live vaccine, including MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), varicella (chickenpox) or yellow fever, please check the timing before booking your appointment.

In general, a TB skin test should be performed either on the same day as a live vaccine or at least four weeks after receiving it. The Government of Canada’s Canadian Immunization Guide provides more information on vaccine timing and tuberculosis skin testing.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About TB Skin Testing

TB skin testing is available by appointment at Bedford Guardian Pharmacy, 535 Larry Uteck Blvd in Bedford, Nova Scotia. All TB skin testing appointments booked through Guardian Pharmacy are performed at the Bedford location.

Bedford Guardian Pharmacy charges $60.00 for a TB skin test.

Yes. TB skin testing at Bedford Guardian Pharmacy is available by appointment only.

Appointments can be booked online.

A one-step TB skin test requires two visits to the pharmacy. The test is administered during your first visit and read during your second visit 48 hours later.

A two-step TB skin test requires four visits in total because the testing process is completed twice.

A trained healthcare professional must examine and measure a TB skin test after it has had time to develop.

At Bedford Guardian Pharmacy, your test is administered on Tuesday, and you return 48 hours later on Thursday at the same time to have the test site examined.

You cannot read the TB skin test yourself.

The injection itself is completed during a short pharmacy appointment, but the test cannot be completed in a single visit.

You must return to Bedford Guardian Pharmacy 48 hours after your first appointment to have the test read.

If you require a two-step TB test, the second test is performed 1 to 4 weeks after the first.

A one-step TB skin test involves one test and one follow-up reading.

A two-step TB skin test involves an initial test and reading followed by a second test 1 to 4 weeks later, which also requires a follow-up reading.

Two-step testing may be required for people entering healthcare settings or other environments where future TB testing may be necessary.

Always check with the employer, school, or organization requesting your TB test to determine which test they require.

Yes. TB skin tests are commonly required for employment, healthcare positions, post-secondary programs, clinical placements and volunteer work.

Before booking, ask the organization requesting your test whether you need a one-step or two-step TB skin test.

It depends on the vaccine and when you received it.

Live vaccines such as MMR, varicella, and yellow fever can interfere with TB skin testing. A TB skin test can generally be administered on the same day as a live vaccine. Otherwise, you may need to wait at least four weeks after receiving the live vaccine.

If you are unsure whether a recent vaccination affects your appointment, contact the pharmacy before booking.

Yes, but you should tell the healthcare professional performing your test if you have previously received the BCG vaccine.

BCG vaccination can affect the interpretation of a TB skin test. Depending on your vaccination history and circumstances, a healthcare provider may recommend a TB blood test instead.

The Canadian Tuberculosis Standards provide more information about TB skin tests, blood tests and testing in people who have received the BCG vaccine.

No. A TB skin test cannot give you tuberculosis.

The test does not contain live tuberculosis bacteria and cannot cause TB.

A positive TB skin test does not necessarily mean that you have active tuberculosis disease. It means your immune system has reacted to the test and further medical assessment may be required. Additional evaluation may include a medical examination and chest X-ray to determine whether you have latent TB infection or active TB disease.

If your TB skin test is positive, you may be referred for further medical assessment. This can include additional testing and a chest X-ray.

Nova Scotia Health provides specialized assessment, treatment and follow-up for people with TB infection or disease. You can learn more about Tuberculosis (TB) Services through Nova Scotia Health.

Please bring your Nova Scotia Health Card and any documentation provided by your employer, school, or organization relating to your TB testing requirements.

Wear a short-sleeved shirt so your forearm is easy to access.

You must return for your scheduled reading to complete the test.

Bedford Guardian schedules TB skin tests on Tuesdays with readings on Thursdays, 48 hours later at the same appointment time.

If you cannot attend the return visit, contact the pharmacy for instructions.

booking tb skin testing online

Book Your Appointment

Book a TB Skin Test in Bedford

TB skin testing is available by appointment only at:

Bedford Guardian Pharmacy
535 Larry Uteck Blvd
Bedford, Nova Scotia

Questions about TB testing or your appointment? Call Bedford Guardian Pharmacy at 902-407-4373.

Book TB Skin Test Appointment

Cancellation policy: A $15 fee applies to missed appointments or appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice. The TB skin test costs $60.00.

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