TB and Chest X-ray Guide

Our mobile health and screening unit visits accommodation centres across Ireland to offer a free chest X-ray. Research shows that asylum seekers and refugees can be at greater risk of TB.

It checks whether your lungs are healthy. This page explains what happens, what your results mean, and how we protect your privacy

What is TB?

  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a germ. It can be prevented and cured. It usually affects the lungs, but it can affect other parts of the body too.

  • TB can be in the body for a long time before you feel unwell. You may have no symptoms for months.

  • The germ spreads through the air when a person with infectious lung TB coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. You usually need close contact with an infectious person over a long time to catch it..

If a nurse or doctor confirms active TB, you will be referred for treatment. Treatment is completely free and usually means a course of tablets for up to 12 months.

Signs to look our for

A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks

Fevers and heavy night sweats

Losing weight without trying

Any blood in the phlegm you cough up

About the

X-Ray

  • The X-ray happens inside our mobile health and screening unit at your centre. No hospital or clinic trip needed.

  • The whole visit takes about 15 minutes. The X-ray itself takes only seconds. You stay fully clothed.

  • Anyone aged 16 or older who has not had a chest X-ray in the last 6 months.

    Please inform our team if you might be pregnant, have a cough or fever, or require wheelchair access.

  • Free interpreters can be arranged on the day. Just ask.


About your results

  • We will not contact you. You can ask us for a copy of your results after 2 weeks.

    You can email screening@primarycaresafetynet.ie for follow-up requests.

  • A GP will call you within 2 weeks to arrange free follow-up care.

  • Sometimes an X-ray shows a different chest problem. If that happens, our GP will help you get the right care.

Your privacy and your consent

Your Privacy

Your medical records are protected under data protection law (GDPR). Your information is only shared with the doctors looking after your care.

Your consent matters

The chest X-ray is your choice. Before your X-ray, our team will ask you to give your consent. You can sign a form, give your consent out loud, or make a mark in front of the radiographer. You can change your mind and stop at any time — even after the X-ray has started.

Who we are

Safetynet is a medical charity that provides quality healthcare to people who cannot easily access mainstream services. We provide GP and nursing care, with interpreting support if you need it, to people experiencing homelessness, people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants, and the Roma and Traveller communities. We shape our care around each person's needs. No barriers. No judgement. Just care