Tuberculosis examination

If you come from a country where tuberculosis is widespread or you are a refugee or asylum-seeker, you may be obliged to have a tuberculosis examination. This comprises a tuberculin test (skin test), x-ray (röntgen) of the lungs and possibly a blood sample. Tuberculosis is an infection that first and foremost affects the lungs and can be life-threatening if it is not treated. The examination is part of the municipal programme for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.

Anyone who has tuberculosis is obliged to follow the doctor’s instructions, and if necessary be isolated in order to prevent the disease from infecting others.

The following are obliged to have a tuberculosis examination:

• Persons who plan to remain in Norway for more than three months who require a work or residence permit and who come from countries where tuberculosis is widespread
• Persons who plan to work in the health and social services, as teachers or in other positions where they have regular contact with children, and who come from countries where tuberculosis is widespread
• Refugees and asylum-seekers.

The tuberculosis examination is free of charge.