TB Screen (QuantiFERON^®) Test

The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus test is a quick, one-visit blood test that checks if you’ve been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB).

It’s more accurate than the traditional skin test—especially if you’ve had the BCG vaccine—and gives clear results without the need for a follow-up visit.

TB spreads through the air and can affect the lungs, brain, bones, and other organs. Early detection is key to preventing its spread.

The QuantiFERON–TB Gold Plus test streamlines TB screening with a single blood draw.

Compared to the traditional skin test, which involves two appointments and can produce false positives in BCG-vaccinated individuals, QuantiFERON–TB Gold Plus offers greater accuracy and convenience.

There are no known risks with this test. Just visit a participating LifeLabs location to get started.

Yes. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test is widely accepted for TB screening required by employers, schools, immigration programs, and for travel-related purposes. Please verify acceptance with the relevant institution before purchasing.

To help ensure accurate results and a smooth experience:

• Stay hydrated the day before your appointment by drinking plenty of water. This can make your blood draw easier.
• Do not take the test if you’ve received a live vaccine—such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or varicella (chickenpox)—in the past 4 weeks, as it may affect your results.

If you’re unsure about your vaccination status or have other health concerns, contact us before proceeding.

The purchase price includes:

• Healthcare provider support and oversight for lab testing, including a valid lab request.
• A professional blood draw at a LifeLabs location
• TB exposure testing using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus blood test, approved by Health Canada
• Secure access to your results via your MyCareCompass™ account, typically within 7-10 business days
• Follow-up support: If your result is positive, a licensed healthcare provider will contact you within 1–2 business days. You can also share your results with your own healthcare provider.

Note: If you do not have OHIP, provincial health coverage, or other private coverage you may need to pay for the follow-up consultation.

No. This test is not covered by provincial health plans. However, some private or workplace insurance plans may offer reimbursement. Please check with your provider.

Results are typically provided within 7-10 business days after your lab visit. Once your result is ready, you can access it in one of the following ways:

Phone call from a licensed healthcare provider

If your test result is positive or indeterminate, a healthcare provider from our partner clinic will contact you by phone and email within 1–2 business days to review your result and guide you on next steps.

Online through MyCareCompass™

If your result is negative—or after your consultation—you can access your test results online.

• Provide your Health Card Number during checkout or to the lab technician at the time of your blood draw
• You will receive a Lab Visit Number from the lab technician after your sample is collected.
• Use your Lab Visit Number and Health Card Number to create a MyCareCompass™ account.
• Once logged in, go to the “Reports” tab to view your results.

Offline through a Formal Access Request Form

If you do not have a health card or choose not to provide one, you can request your results offline.

• You will receive a Lab Visit Number from the lab technician after your sample is collected.
• Your Lab Visit Number is required to confirm your identity.
• Complete the Access Request Form and email it to the address listed on the form.
• Please note that offline requests may take longer to process.

If your test result is positive, it means you may have been exposed to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB).

A licensed healthcare provider will contact you within 1–2 business days to explain your result, answer your questions, and guide you on appropriate next steps. This may include further testing or a referral for additional care.

Important: Positive TB screening results are required by law to be reported to your local public health authority. This is part of standard public health practice and helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Your personal health information will be handled securely and in accordance with privacy regulations.

You can schedule an appointment with your regular primary care provider, such as your family doctor, to discuss TB testing. Once your primary care provider gives you a signed request form, please call our Customer Care team to book your appointment. A representative will assist you in booking a convenient appointment time at a participating LifeLabs® Patient Service Centre. This test requires a scheduled appointment and cannot be booked online.

All test request forms expire within 6 months of being signed by a healthcare provider. Be sure to complete the test prior to the request forms expiring.

All tests are final sale, and your sample must be collected before the test expires.

1. 1. Qiagen, QuantiFERON®–TB Gold Plus product information.
2. 2. World Health Organization’s Fact Sheet on Tuberculosis.