If you need a TB test in Calgary for a new job, a school program, volunteer work, or an immigration application, a pharmacy is often the fastest place to get it done. Edgemont Family Pharmacy offers TB skin testing (also called a PPD or Mantoux test) at our NW Calgary location, with walk-ins welcome and appointments available if you prefer a set time.
This page covers who typically needs a TB test, how the test works, why it requires two visits, and what to bring.
What is a TB skin test?
A tuberculin skin test (TST) — commonly called a PPD test — checks whether your immune system has ever responded to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. A pharmacist places a very small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) just under the skin of your forearm. It feels like a quick pinch and takes only a few minutes.
The important part is the second visit: the test must be read 48 to 72 hours later by a trained professional, who measures any raised firmness at the injection site. If you don’t return within that window, the test usually has to be repeated — so plan both visits before you start.
A positive skin test on its own doesn’t mean you have active tuberculosis. It means your immune system has reacted to TB bacteria at some point, which can happen with past exposure or prior BCG vaccination. If your result is positive, you’ll be referred to a physician for follow-up, which may include a chest X-ray or further assessment.
Who needs TB testing in Calgary?
Most people who come to us for a PPD test need documentation for one of the following:
- Healthcare workers and students — hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and health-related programs at Calgary post-secondary schools commonly require proof of TB screening before placements.
- Childcare and education workers — daycares and some school boards ask for TB test results as part of pre-employment screening.
- Immigration and visa applications — some applications require TB screening documentation. Check your application’s exact requirements, since some immigration streams require testing at a designated panel physician instead.
- Volunteer positions — organizations working with vulnerable populations often require a recent TB test.
- Travel or study abroad programs — some international programs require baseline TB screening before departure or after return. If you’re preparing for a trip, our travel clinic in Calgary can handle TB testing alongside your travel vaccines — including the yellow fever vaccine — in one visit.
Bring any forms your employer, school, or program gave you — the pharmacist will complete and sign the documentation after reading your result.
One-step vs. two-step TB testing
Many Calgary employers — especially in healthcare — ask for a two-step TB test for anyone being tested for the first time or without a documented test in the past year.
Here’s the difference:
- One-step test: one injection, one reading 48–72 hours later. Two visits total.
- Two-step test: if the first test is negative, a second test is placed 1 to 4 weeks later and read again 48–72 hours after that. Four visits total.
The two-step process exists because a first test can "wake up" an old immune response that the second test then detects. It gives your employer a reliable baseline. If you’re not sure which one your employer requires, check your paperwork or ask the pharmacist when you come in — doing the wrong one can mean starting over.
What to expect at your appointment
- Visit 1 — placement. A short intake to confirm the test is appropriate for you, then the injection in your forearm. You’re typically in and out in about 15 minutes. You can work, shower, and exercise as usual afterward — just avoid scratching or covering the site with a bandage.
- Visit 2 — reading. Return 48–72 hours later. The pharmacist measures the site, records the result, and completes your paperwork.
- Two-step only: repeat both steps 1–4 weeks later.
Tell the pharmacist if you’ve had a previous positive TB test, a BCG vaccine, a recent live vaccine, or any illness with fever — these can affect whether and when the test should be done. If you’ve ever tested positive before, a repeat skin test usually isn’t appropriate, and the pharmacist can talk you through what your employer will accept instead.
Walk-ins and booking
Walk-in TB testing is available at Edgemont Family Pharmacy during regular hours, though we recommend calling ahead — the timing of your first visit matters, because your 48–72 hour reading window needs to land on a day we’re open. Placing a test on Thursday or Friday, for example, can push your reading past the window if the weekend gets in the way. When you call, we’ll help you pick a start day that works.
Find us at 6-34 Edgedale Dr NW, Calgary — easy parking, no referral needed. Call 403-930-5806 or contact us online to book.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a TB test cost in Calgary?
TB skin tests for employment, school, or immigration purposes are generally not covered by Alberta Health, so there’s an out-of-pocket fee. Call us at 403-930-5806 for current pricing — some employers reimburse the cost, so keep your receipt.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. You can get a PPD test at our pharmacy without a referral. Just bring photo ID and any forms that need to be filled out.
How long are TB test results valid?
That depends on who’s asking for them. Many employers accept results from the past 6–12 months; others require a new test for each placement. Check the requirements on your paperwork before booking.
Can I get a TB test if I’ve had the BCG vaccine?
Yes. A prior BCG vaccination doesn’t prevent you from having a skin test, but it can influence how results are interpreted — mention it during your intake so it’s noted on your file.
What if my test is positive?
The pharmacist will document the result and refer you to a physician for follow-up assessment. A positive skin test alone does not mean you have active TB or that you’re contagious.
Questions about whether a TB skin test is right for your situation? Talk to the pharmacist — call 403-930-5806 or drop by Edgemont Family Pharmacy in NW Calgary.