Parramatta Chest Clinic

• Assessment, investigation, treatment and management of active and latent tuberculosis
• Direct observed therapy for treatment
• Tuberculosis screening for medical procedures, student clinical placement or pre-employment
• Private sector tuberculosis screening (onsite screening for 15 staff or more)
• Immigration screening as referred by BUPA (including tuberculosis undertaking)
• Tuberculosis wound dressings
• Venepuncture
• BCG vaccination (pre-travel) for children under 5 years of age. Bookings are made via the NSW Ministry of Health website
• Education and travel advice regarding reasonable precautions to reduce tuberculosis exposure
• Contact tracing for cases with active tuberculosis

The Parramatta Chest Clinic does not perform chest x-rays. Patients with pulmonary TB symptoms must have a chest x-ray before referring to the Parramatta Chest Clinic. 

You can attend: 

• your local hospital who will perform a chest x-ray free of charge
• a private radiology service where you will pay a fee as agreed with the service

What to bring 

• Proof of identification – Medicare card (if available)
• Previous chest x-rays and CT scans (if available)
• Adult vaccination card for pre-employment screening or screening of students for clinical placement
• Appointment letter for medical appointments

On site parking

• There is no general parking available on site
• Limited disabled parking is available on site (you must have a current sticker). Please phone (02) 9843 3122 to book

Local parking options

• Westfield Parramatta - Multi-level parking.
• Parramatta Park - Time-limited free parking

• TB investigations, monitoring and treatment: Free of charge. No Medicare card required
• Pre-employment or student screening: $30 fee
• Additional costs may apply for blood tests
• BCG vaccination is free

• BCG vaccinations require a referral and booking. Bookings are made via the NSW Ministry of Health website
• Health Vaccination Cards for students and pre-employment require an email from the prospective employer to WSLHD-Parramatta-ChestClinic@health.nsw.gov.au. No other referral required.
• Health screening for medical treatment requires a referral
• Immigration screening is referred by BUPA
• Contact tracing can be self referred  

Patients with symptoms of pulmonary TB must have a chest x-ray before referral to the Parramatta Chest Clinic.

Before referring, GPs may also consider:

• An IGRA (Quantiferon Gold) blood test
• Chest x-ray
• Three consecutive morning sputum samples (AFB smear, culture and PCR)

Referrals should include:

• Patient’s name, date of birth, address and phone number
• Interpreter requirements (if needed, and language)
• Details of tests performed and results

Email GP referrals to:
WSLHD-Parramatta-ChestClinic@health.nsw.gov.au

All students and health care workers starting clinical placement or hospital work must complete TB screening.

If you are from a TB high-risk country

Extra screening is required if you:

• Were born in a TB high-risk country
• Have travelled to a TB high-risk country for more than 3 months (total)

Check the TB high-risk country list to confirm what screening you need.

Quantiferon Gold (IGRA) blood test

• Required for people from TB high-risk countries or who have travelled to a TB high risk country for more than three months
• Arranged through your GP
• Costs approximately $30–$50
• Should not be done within 4 weeks of MMR or varicella vaccination
• Not available at the Parramatta Chest Clinic

Results:

• Positive: GP referral needed for a chest x-ray (done at any radiology service)
• Negative: GP can sign off TB compliance

What to submit

All students and health care workers must email:

• TB assessment tool form
• Adult vaccination card

If applicable, also include:

• Quantiferon Gold (IGRA) results
• Chest x-ray report (if IGRA is positive)

Email documents to:
WSLHD-Parramatta-ChestClinic@health.nsw.gov.au

Step 1: Check if you need a health check

If you are applying for a visa to stay in Australia for more than 6 months, you must have a health check as part of your visa application.

Step 2: Attend your BUPA health check

• BUPA conducts immigration health checks for the Department of Home Affairs
• People from a TB high-risk country must be screened for tuberculosis (TB)
• You must tell BUPA if your address changes so you are booked to the correct chest clinic. You can update your address in person at a BUPA Medical and Visa Services office or by email: enquiries@bupamvs.com.au

Step 3: Review of your results

You may be referred for further TB screening if your health check shows:

• An abnormal chest x-ray
• A positive TB blood test (IGRA) or skin test (Mantoux)
• Positive sputum test results

Step 4: Referral to a chest clinic

• TB screening is done at the chest clinic closest to where you live
• Your referral may be called:
  • Tuberculosis Health Undertaking (TBU) – if you applied for your visa overseas
  • Onshore Deferral – if you applied for your visa in Australia

Step 5: Conditional visa (if required)

• Some people are granted a conditional visa
• This means you must attend chest clinic appointments and follow medical advice
• If TB is diagnosed in Australia, treatment and follow-up are require

Step 6: If your child is referred

• Children are usually referred due to a positive TB skin test or blood test
• Your child will attend The Children's Hospital at Westmead for further testing
• If tests are positive, a chest x-ray and doctor’s review will be arranged

See NSW Health Tuberculosis and information about your health examinations information on the Department of Home Affairs website