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 the positive TST/IGRA reporting form and fax to 1-855-WDG-LINE (1-855-934-5463). A copy of the form may be requested by calling 519-829-8370.
To report a TB case or suspected case please call TB team at 519-829-8370. 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.
This test is not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). A physician may order this test using the MOHLTC Laboratory Requisition form and writing Quantiferon Gold test under “other tests”. The cost of an IGRA test varies but it is approximately $100.
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
An assessment of the likelihood of respiratory TB should be done on or before admission to a long-term care home. A symptom screen to rule out active TB should be done, preferably prior to, and on admission to a long-term care home. Please note that 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.
A posteroanterior and lateral chest x-ray should be performed if a resident is symptomatic and the resident should be referred for medical assessment if indicated.
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.