Tuberculosis testing for school or work
Quantiferon blood tests and TB skin testing in Alberta

We can do an assessment for Quantiferon blood tests virtually. You can then take our lab requisition to one of the designated labs throughout Alberta.
TB skin testing at our location in Airdrie serving the surrounding areas including Calgary. Same week appointments often available.

• BOOK QUANTIFERON TEST
• BOOK TB SKIN TEST

• About
• Contact
• Main Site
• FAQ

Polaris Travel Clinic and Pharmacy in Airdrie offers TB testing for education, occupational, or travel purposes.1) TB skin test (Mantoux)
Our pharmacists and nurses have received extensive training and are up to date with administering and reading a TB Skin Test. The cost of the Mantoux TB test is $60.
Please note that the you need to return to the clinic 48-72 hours after your initial appointment to have your test read. If you do not have your test read during that time you will have to repeat the test.

2) Quantiferon blood test
Our pharmacists can do a virtual appointment where they assess if this blood test is appropriate for you and issue the lab requisition. You go to one of the designated labs throughout Alberta (see list) and get your blood test done. This test is not affected by previous doses of BCG vaccine. The cost of the Quantiferon assessment appointment is $220. Please note that once the lab requisition is issued to you there are no refunds, even if circumstances have changed for you and you no longer need the test.

List of labs that will do Quantiferon testing in Alberta.
These appointments can only be done from Monday to Thursdsay before 8pm. You may be able to book another day or time online but they will not draw the blood outside of these locations and times.

BOOK QUANTIFERON VIRTUAL ASSESSMENT

About Us

Polaris Travel Clinic and Pharmacy is located in Airdrie, Alberta. If you live in Airdrie or Calgary and need a TB skin test, also known as a Mantoux test, TST, or tuberculin skin test, we can provide it for you usually the same week. If you live in Calgary, our clinic is just a short drive north in Airdrie. We also can do a virtual appointment for residents of Alberta where we assess if a Quantiferon blood test would be an appropriate option instead of a TB skin test.In addition to TB testing, our patients can receive boosters for vaccines they may need for school or work including tetanus, measles, chicken pox, and Hepatitis B. We can send patients for blood tests to verify their immune status (no charge for blood work with Alberta Health Care card). We can also refer you for further follow up should this be required as a result of the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TB?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually lives in the lungs, but it can be in any part of the body. Only some people who get TB become sick. There are 2 different types of TB:

How does TB Spread?
TB is usually spread through the air from one person to another. In order for this to happen, a person must have active TB in their lungs that gets into the air through coughing, sneezing, laughing or singing. Once TB is in the air another person can breathe it into their lungs. When TB is in someone's lungs it can begin to grow. TB is usually only spread to others when it's in the lungs.

What is a Tuberculin Skin Test, TB Skin Test, Mantoux Test, or TST?
All of these terms refer to the same test, which is one method of determining if you have ever been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). The test is done by putting a small amount of TB protein (antigens) under the top layer of skin on your inner forearm. If you have ever been exposed to the TB bacteria, your skin will react by developing a firm red bump at the site within 2 or 3 days. A tuberculin skin test cannot tell how long you have been infected with TB. It also cannot tell if the infection is latent (inactive) or if you have active TB that can be passed to others.

What is a Quantiferon, QFT, Quantiferon Gold blood test?
All of these terms refer to the same test, which is another method of determining if you have ever been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). The test is done having a blood draw done at a designated lab in Alberta. This test is not affected by BCG vaccines.

How is the TB Skin Test administered?
The TB test is performed by injecting 0.1mL of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the inner surface of the forearm. This injection is administered intradermally under the top layer of skin. When placed correctly, the injection should produce a pale elevation of the skin (a wheal).

How do I take care of my arm after the TB skin test?

How is the TB test read?
The skin test reaction should be read between 48 and 72 hours after administration by a health care worker trained to read the TB test. A patient who does not return within 72 hours will need to be rescheduled for another skin test. The reaction should be measured in millimeters of the induration (firm swelling). The reader should not measure erythema (redness). The diameter of the indurated area should be measured across the forearm.Who Can Receive a TB test?
Most people including infants, children, breastfeeding or pregnant women, or persons living with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions can receive the test. If a person had a severe reaction to a previous TB test, they should probably not receive another test.Who should not get a TB skin test?
You should not get a TB skin test if you have documentation of a previously positive test result or a history of active or latent TB. If you should not get a TB test, your health care provider will ask you questions about your health and decide if you need other TB tests instead. Often for school/work purposes, a chest x-ray or Quantiferon blood test will need to be ordered.How Often Can TB tests Be Repeated?
There is no significant risk associated with repeated tuberculin skin test placements. If a person does not return within 48-72 hours for a tuberculin skin test reading, a second test can be placed as soon as possible.Does the TB test interact with vaccines?
Vaccination with live viruses, including measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, yellow fever, BCG, and oral typhoid, may interfere with TB test reactions. For persons scheduled to receive a TB test, testing should be done as follows:

Inactivated vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, Hepatitis B, flu, and COVID can be given any time before or after a TB test.What if my TB skin test is negative?
The test is "negative" if there is no bump (or only a very small bump) at the spot where the fluid was injected. A negative TB skin test usually means that you don't have TB. In some situations, you may need to have another TB skin test later. In Alberta, a TB skin test result is usually valid for 12 months.What if my TB skin test is positive?
The test is "positive" if there is a bump of a certain size where the fluid was injected. A positive tuberculin skin test does not mean you have contagious (active) TB. The test cannot tell whether you have active or inactive (latent) TB. It also cannot tell the difference between a TB infection and a TB vaccination (BCG vaccination). More tests—such as a chest X-ray, a sputum culture, or both—are usually done to see if you have active TB. A positive TB test means you do not need to have another TB test in the future. Keep a record of your positive TB test results as proof.What if I received the TB vaccine?
The TB vaccine, known as the BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine, is given as a routine immunization to babies in many parts of the world (not in Canada). If you have had a BCG vaccination, you may have a positive TB skin test even though you don't have TB. You can still have a TB skin test if you’ve received the BCG vaccine, and in many people it will not affect their TB test.
What is a two step TB test?
A two step TB skin test means that an initial test is done and read and then, if negative, repeated again in 7-28 days. Some specific school programs in Alberta, such as respiratory therapy, require a two step test. In other provinces, such as Ontario, two step testing is standard for most school programs.

• FAQ References

Contact Us

To request a Mantoux TB skin test appointment, fill in the form below or contact us by phone.

Polaris Travel Clinic and Pharmacy
404 -191 Edwards Way SW
Airdrie, AB T4B 3E2
Phone: 403-980-TRIP (8747)
Fax: 403-980-9042
Email: info@polaristravelclinic.ca

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email

References