What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by TB germs. TB usually attacks the lungs but can affect any part of the body. TB has been around for centuries.
How is Tuberculosis spread?
TB is spread from person to person through the air. TB is spread when someone sick with TB in the lungs, coughs or sneezes. It is not highly contagious. Close, prolonged or regular contact with someone who is sick with TB disease is needed to spread this disease.
Tuberculosis Screening in Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
Each resident admitted to a long-term care or retirement home must undergo a medical history and physical exam by a physician or nurse practitioner within 90 days prior to admission or 14 days after admission. This assessment should include a symptom review for respiratory TB.
If symptoms suggest possible active TB disease, the resident should not be admitted and should complete:
- A posteroanterior and lateral chest X-ray.
- Three sputum samples taken at least one hour apart submitted to the Public Health Laboratory for testing (Acid Fast Bacilli and Culture). Note: It can take up to 8 weeks for a culture report.
Detailed recommendations, including requirements for staff screening can be found in our Recommendations for Tuberculosis (TB) Screening in Long Term Care and Retirement Homes resource.
Additional Information Regarding TB Screening
- Canadian Tuberculosis Standards, 8th Edition 2022
- Recommendations for Tuberculosis (TB) Screening in Long Term Care and Retirement Homes
- Active TB Screening Checklist for Clinicians
- TB Screening – Frequently Asked Questions
- Positive Tuberculin Skin Test Report Form
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) Fact Sheet
