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?
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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.
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TB can be in the body for a long time before you feel unwell. You may have no symptoms for months.
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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.
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
About the X-Ray
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The X-ray happens inside our mobile health and screening unit at your centre. No hospital or clinic trip needed.
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The whole visit takes about 15 minutes. The X-ray itself takes only seconds. You stay fully clothed.
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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.
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Free interpreters can be arranged on the day. Just ask.