Tuberculosis (TB) clinic

TB clinics in the Northern Territory (NT) are for the testing and management of TB.

Testing can be for people who have:

• no symptoms, but could have the bacteria inside their body, this is known as latent TB
• symptoms and may have the bacteria inside their body causing them to be unwell, this is known as active TB.

Latent TB can progress to active TB, learn more about tuberculosis (TB).

When to get tested

There can be different reasons why you might need to get tested.

Health

A healthcare provider may request that you get tested.

Reasons might include:

• you have symptoms
• been in a close contact with someone who has active TB
• you had a chest x-ray that needs further investigation
• starting treatment or medication that changes your immune system, such as chemotherapy
• getting the TB vaccine
• donating an organ.

Employment, travel and immigration

There are times when it maybe required or recommended that you get a TB test.

Reasons might include:

• if you are travelling to or from a country with high rates of TB
• to meet immigration requirements
• to meet employment requirements.

Types of TB tests

Testing at the clinic might include:

• the Mantoux test
• blood tests
• chest x-ray
• sputum test
• physical check-up.

Mantoux test

The test involves a small amount of fluid being injected under the skin on your arm.

After 2 or 3 days, your arm is checked for a bump on the skin.

The size of the bump will determine if the test is positive. If your test is positive, it means you may have been exposed to TB in the past. You might need to get a chest x-ray and physical examination to check for signs of active TB.

To find out more, get the fact sheet from the NT Health digital library.

Chest x-ray

Chest x-ray is used to look for signs of active TB in your lungs.

Sputum test

Sputum test is used to look for active TB in your lungs.

The test involves producing sputum that is coughed up from deep in the lungs .

Vaccine

The Bacille calmette-guérin (BCG) vaccine is available at the Casuarina Community Care Centre in Darwin.

You can make a booking through the Darwin TB Clinic.

The BCG vaccine is also available in Alice Springs at BCG clinics held every 6 to 8 weeks. You can make a booking through Alice Springs Community Health.

To find out more, get the fact sheet from the NT Health digital library website.

TB management

If you are unwell with TB, sometimes you may need to be treated in hospital for the first part of your treatment.

You will then have follow-up appointments at the clinic.

If you are confirmed to have latent TB the clinic will provide you with advice.