Tuberculosis examination

General

Description

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.

Target group

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.

Price

The tuberculosis examination is free of charge.
 

Laws

• Forskrift om tuberkulosekontroll av 21. juni 2002 nr. 567 Forskrift om tuberkulosekontroll
• Smittevernloven §§ 7-1 og 7-3

Application

Guidelines

The municipality shall ensure that the examination is carried out as early as possible. Refugees and asylum-seekers shall be examined 14 days after arrival. Persons who are to take up a post shall be examined before commencing in the position.

Complaint

It is possible to apply for exemption from the tuberculosis examination. If this is refused, you may appeal within three weeks of having been informed. Explain why you are dissatisfied and why you consider that the decision should be changed. If you need assistance, you may ask the municipality. If the municipality upholds its decision, the matter will be sent to the county governor, who will decide whether the appeal shall be allowed. The decision concerning isolation may be reviewed by the district court.
 

Other

Updated