Information for families about tuberculosis (TB) screening and what the results mean
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a germ called "Mycobacterium tuberculosis" that usually affects the lungs but can happen anywhere in the body. TB screening is a normal, routine part of the health check for all newly arrived refugee families.
Around the world, many people carry the TB germ at some point without ever becoming sick from it. Only a small number of people go on to develop TB disease. Checking early means any infection can be found and treated before it causes problems.
Not usually. There are two different situations:
A positive screening test on its own does not tell the doctor whether your child has latent TB or TB disease. Your doctor will do a careful history and examination and further checks, such as a chest x-ray, to work this out and explain what it means for your child.
There are two types of screening test, and your doctor will choose the one that suits your child:
If your child has latent TB infection, a course of prevention medicine (usually 3 to 4 months) greatly reduces the chance of your child becoming sick with TB disease later in life. Your doctor will talk you through the options and answer any questions before starting.
If your child has TB disease, they will be cared for by specialist doctors with a course of 3 or 4 treatment medicines, taken together for around 6 months. TB disease is curable and most children do very well on treatment. They feel much better, and side effects are not common.
TB screening and your child's results are confidential and will not affect your visa.
What you discuss with your doctor is confidential. If your child is diagnosed with TB disease, this is reported to the health department, as it is for every person in this situation. This is normal medical practice, so that health services can help with treatment and support, not because of any blame. Many communities carry worry around TB, and your care team is there to support your family and make sure your child is treated and that no one else in the family has TB disease.
BCG is a vaccine that most children receive at birth in other countries. BCG is not part of the normal vaccines in Australia. Your child may have a small scar from BCG vaccine on their shoulder, arm or in another place. BCG does not fully prevent TB infection, but it can reduce the risk of TB disease in young children. It can also affect the result of the skin test, so let your doctor know if your child has had BCG vaccine. If you are planning to travel overseas with young children, they can get BCG vaccine before travel. Ask your doctor about BCG and travel vaccines.