Tuberculosis

What is it?

An infectious disease that most often targets the lungs

What do I need?

Doctor's written confirmation of no active tuberculosis

How long will it take?

Up to two weeks

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that damages the lungs or other parts of the body and can cause serious illness and death.

Requirements

You need to get screened for Tuberculosis. Please note that screening must be done no more than 3 months before course commencement.

Screening can be done by either a TB Skin Test (eg Mantoux tuberculin skin test or TST) or a TB Blood test (eg interferon-gamma release assay). Your doctor can provide advice on the best screening for your circumstances.

Your screening results must then be interpreted by a APHRA registered medical practitioner. If you are residing overseas, this is one of the checks that you can only complete when you arrive in the country.

Evidence

We recommend that you use our Tuberculosis Screening Form.

Get your medical practitioner to complete the MDHS TB Screening form. It has been designed to capture all the information required to clear this check.

Alternatively, you can provide either:

  • A written statement from an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner that includes:
    • The date of the tuberculin skin test or interferon gamma release assay that was performed

      AND

    • The indication of a negative QFN-GIT result with no symptoms of active tuberculosis or completion of the Specialist Assessment section

      AND

    • Medical practitioner details and signature.
  • Or a written statement from an AHPRA-registered specialist infectious disease or respiratory physician advising you have no active tuberculosis infection or have otherwise been assessed as fit for placement (for example, if receiving treatment and deemed non- infectious).

Note: Nurses are not medical practitioners by definition. However, we can accept a TB Form signed by an AHPRA-registered nurse.

More details

  • As the test needs to be completed by an AHPRA registered specialist, testing for this check will need to be completed in Australia.

  • If you establish that your test was in fact a false positive, you will need to continue communication with your doctor. Part B of the TB Form will be required which will confirm that you are free from infection or receiving the appropriate treatment and are still fit to practice in a clinical environment.

  • Unfortunately, serology results are not sufficient in confirming the testing requirements to clear this check. Please use the TB Screening Form provided by MDHS.

Ready to submit your documents? Go to Sonia.

Still have questions? Contact the MDHS Student Hub.

Further information