Tuberculosis (TB) Examination

The tuberculosis examination consists of a tuberculin test (skin test), an X-ray of the lungs, and possibly a blood test. Tuberculosis is an infection that can affect various organs, with the most significant form being pulmonary tuberculosis. This condition can be life-threatening without treatment. The examination is part of the municipality’s program to prevent and combat tuberculosis.

A person diagnosed with tuberculosis is required to follow the doctor’s instructions and, if necessary, accept isolation to prevent the disease from spreading to others.

The following people are required to undergo a TB test, c.f. Chapter 3 of the Regulations on tuberculosis control:

• People staying more than three months in Norway who require a residence permit, registry certificate or residence card and who are from countries where TB is prevalent
• Refugees and asylum seekers from countries with a high prevalence of TB
• People who intend to work in health care services, as teachers or in other positions where they are in contact with children and who in the last three years have come from or stayed at least three months in countries where TB is prevalent.
• Pesons participating in cultural exchange programs or similar activities and who will have close contact with children.

The tuberculosis examination is free, including transportation costs.

The examination is part of the infection control plans that the municipality is required to implement.
See:
Tuberkuloseforskriften kapittel 3 - Obligation to undergo tuberculosis examination, implementation, and follow-up.
Smittevernloven § 7-1 - Municipal responsibilities and § 7-3 – Regional health authority responsibilities.

Tuberkuloseforskriften
Smittevernloven

The municipality is responsible for ensuring that the examination is conducted as soon as possible. Refugees and asylum seekers must be examined within fourteen days after arrival. Individuals starting a job in the specified fields must undergo a lung X-ray before starting work, while the skin test and its follow-up can be conducted later.

It is possible to apply for an exemption from the tuberculosis examination. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision within three weeks of receiving it. Explain what you are dissatisfied with and why you believe the decision should be changed. If you need guidance, you can contact the municipality. If the municipality upholds its decision, the case will be forwarded to the County Governor, who will determine whether the appeal is upheld.

Decisions regarding isolation made by the Infection Control Board can be reviewed by the district court.