No referral needed
TB skin test
A tuberculin skin test for employment, school placement or immigration paperwork. Two visits, a few days apart, and no doctor's referral.
What is a TB skin test?
A tuberculin skin test, commonly called a PPD or Mantoux test, checks whether your immune system has ever responded to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The pharmacist places a very small amount of purified protein derivative just under the skin of your forearm. It feels like a quick pinch and takes a couple of minutes.
The part that needs planning is the second visit. The test has to be read 48 to 72 hours later by a trained professional, who measures any raised firmness at the site. Miss that window and the test usually has to be repeated, so book both visits at once.
How it works
The important thing to plan around is that this takes two visits, not one.
The test is placed
A short intake to confirm the test is appropriate for you, then a small injection just under the skin of the forearm. You are usually in and out in about 15 minutes, and you can work, shower and exercise as normal afterwards. Just do not scratch the site or cover it with a bandage.
You come back in 48 to 72 hours
This window is not flexible. Read too early or too late and the result is not valid, so book the second visit when you book the first.
The result is read and documented
The pharmacist measures the reaction, records the result and completes your form. Bring whatever paperwork your employer or school gave you.
Who needs TB testing in Calgary?
Almost everyone who comes to us for a skin test needs documentation for one of these.
Healthcare workers and students
Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health-related programmes at Calgary post-secondary schools commonly require proof of TB screening before a placement.
Childcare and education workers
Daycares and some school boards ask for results as part of pre-employment screening.
Immigration and visa applications
Some applications require TB screening documentation. Check your application's exact requirements first, because some immigration streams require testing at a designated panel physician instead, and a pharmacy result will not be accepted for those.
Volunteer positions
Organisations working with vulnerable populations often require a recent test.
Travel and study abroad programmes
Some international programmes require baseline screening before departure or after return. If you are preparing for a trip, the test can be done alongside your travel vaccines in the same visit.
One-step or two-step, and why it matters
Many Calgary employers, especially in healthcare, ask for a two-step test from anyone being tested for the first time or without a documented test in the past year. Doing the wrong one means starting over, so check your paperwork or ask us before the first visit.
One-step
One injection, one reading 48 to 72 hours later. Two visits in total.
Two-step
If the first test is negative, a second is placed 1 to 4 weeks later and read 48 to 72 hours after that. Four visits in total.
Why the second step exists
A first test can wake up an old immune response that the second one then detects. That is what gives an employer a reliable baseline rather than a false negative.
Bring with you, and tell us
Photo identification
Most forms require it.
The forms themselves
Employer, school or immigration paperwork, so it can be completed at the second visit.
Your BCG history if you have one
A prior BCG vaccination does not stop you having the test, but it can affect how the result is interpreted, so it should be on your file.
Any previous TB test results
Particularly a positive one. If you have ever tested positive, a repeat skin test is usually not appropriate, and the pharmacist can talk you through what your employer will accept instead.
A recent live vaccine, or any illness with fever
Both can affect whether and when the test should be done, so mention them at intake rather than after the injection.
Common 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 is an out-of-pocket fee. Call 403-930-5806 for current pricing. Some employers reimburse it, so keep your receipt.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can have a skin test at the pharmacy without a referral. Bring photo identification and any forms that need completing.
Do I need a one-step or a two-step test?
Check your paperwork. Many Calgary employers, especially in healthcare, ask for a two-step test from anyone tested for the first time or without a documented test in the past year. A one-step is two visits, a two-step is four, and doing the wrong one means starting again.
How long are TB test results valid?
That depends on who is asking. Many employers accept results from the past 6 to 12 months, others require a new test for each placement. Check the requirements on your paperwork before booking.
Can I be tested if I have had the BCG vaccine?
Yes. A prior BCG vaccination does not prevent you having a skin test, but it can influence how the result is interpreted, so mention it during intake and it will be noted on your file.
What if I miss the 48 to 72 hour window?
The result cannot be read validly outside it, and the test has to be repeated. Book the second visit at the same time as the first so it does not get away from you.
What if my test is positive?
The pharmacist documents the result and refers you to a physician for follow-up, which may include a chest X-ray. A positive skin test alone does not mean you have active TB or that you are contagious.
Will a pharmacy test be accepted for my immigration application?
Check the requirements on your application before you book. Some streams require screening by a designated panel physician, and a pharmacy result will not be accepted in their place.