TB reporting requirements
Tuberculosis is a reportable disease under the Health Protection and Promotion Act – R.S.O. 1990, Chapter H.7.
All physicians, laboratories, institutions, hospital administrators and schools must report all persons with any of the following to Public Health:
- Latent TB
- Suspected active TB
- Confirmed active TB
How to report
To report a positive Mantoux TB skin test result, use Reporting Mantoiux TB Skin Test form and fax to 1-855-WDG-LINE (1-855-934-5463). A copy of the form may be requested by calling 1-800-265-7293, ext. 4752.
To report a TB case or suspected case please call the Reportable Disease and Outbreak Line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4752. After hours or weekends call 1-877-884-8653.
Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRA Testing)
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are whole-blood tests that can help diagnose Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
One of these tests, QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) is available only through Gamma Dynacare commercial laboratories. This test is not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and costs approximately $90. A physician may order this test using the MOHLTC Laboratory Requisition form and writing Quantiferon Gold test under “other tests”.
A list of Gamma Dynacare laboratories offering IGRA testing can be found on their website.
Tuberculosis screening requirements for long-term care
Long-term care homes are legislated under the Long-term Care Homes Act, 2007 to ensure that staff and residents are screened for tuberculosis upon admission or employment at the facility.
For residents
All residents when admitted must have a chest x-ray (baseline posterior-anterior and lateral)
*Note: Tuberculin skin tests (TST) are no longer recommended for residents 65 years of age or older. If a TST was previously done, record the date and the result of the most recent TST.
For staff
All long-term care staff must have a two-step TST, ideally before placement or within 14 days of starting work (unless employee has a documented result of a previous two-step test completed within the last 12 months). If the employee has a documented negative TST done longer than 12 months ago, they need a one-step TST.