Tuberculosis Examination

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs and spreads through the air when someone with the illness coughs or sneezes. You can read more about it here: World Health Organization – Tuberculosis.

Why This Test Is Required?

While TB is very rare in Austria today, Austrian public health regulations require a one-time examination to catch undiagnosed cases early. If you are an international student from a third country (from outside the EU/EEA), you are required to undergo this screening soon after arrival. 

While the procedure itself is typically quick and straightforward (done via chest X-ray), the way it's communicated often causes confusion and unnecessary stress, especially if you don’t speak German or aren’t used to receiving official mail. 

This guide breaks everything down for you step-by-step.

Checked Your Mailbox?

Within a few weeks after registering your residence in Austria, you will receive a letter titled “Ladungsbescheid” from the Gesundheitsservice (Public Health Department). It will be sent to the address you listed during your address registration (Meldezettel). 

Since it is an official government communication, it is possible that a yellow pickup slip (rather than the letter itself) is placed in your mailbox. This means you’ll need to collect the actual letter from your local post office, the address of which will be specified on the slip. 

Important: The pickup deadline for the letter may be earlier than your actual TB examination deadline, so be sure to collect it as soon as possible to avoid having the letter sent back.

The letter itself is a legal summons based on §§ 23–25 of the Austrian Tuberculosis Act and is written entirely in German. While it may seem intimidating at first glance, it simply informs you of your legal obligation to attend a tuberculosis screening at a specific location and by a specific date.

Important: Ignoring this examination can result in fines of up to €5,000 and up to €10,000 for repeated offenses!

When and Where?

The deadline for your examination is listed on Page 1 of the letter and is typically around three weeks after the letter is officially issued.

The location is the Gesundheitsservice (Health Service) right next to Magistrat Linz. The exact address is also listed on Page 1 of the letter, along with the opening hours. They can also be found here. The exact entrance can be seen below; 

You do not need to book an appointment in advance. Simply go to the center during any of the listed opening hours before your deadline. It is highly recommended to go as early as possible to avoid any last-minute complications.

What to Bring?

• Your residence permit (or passport if not received yet)

• The letter (Ladungsbescheid)

• Plain clothing without metals (e.g. zippers, buttons, jewelry, etc.)

Examination Procedure:

1. Arrival & Check-in:

• Enter the building through the door pictured above and go to the reception/check-in desk.

• Present your letter and ID. 

2. Following Directions:

• You will be instructed to follow colored lines on the floor that guide you to the correct waiting area.

• Staff members will be present to direct you further if needed.

3. Changing Room

• Before the X-ray, you will be directed to a small changing room.

• Since this is a chest X-ray, you will be asked to remove your top layers. 

Note: 

• You are not required to be completely shirtless as long as your upper clothing does not obstruct the X-ray image.

• If neccessary, you also request a hospital gown to change into for the screening.

• As per the Stadt Linz Frauenbüro, women may also request a female radiologist, although subject to availability.

4. X-ray Procedure

• The procedure is simple and usually takes only a few minutes.

• Once ready, you will be asked by the radiologist to step into the imaging room, where the X-ray is taken.

• All done! You can now get dressed again and leave. No need to pass by the reception again either.

Missed Deadline?

Don’t worry, you will not immediately be fined. The Austrian health authorities are generally understanding if you cannot attend your screening for a valid reason such as illness, academic obligations, or travel. 

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you notify them in advance to avoid any issues. Simply contact them at the email address or phone number listed at the top of the letter and explain the situation.

However, If you miss your appointment without contacting them, the letter warns that you may be fined or even forcibly escorted to the screening by police officers (“zwangsweise Vorführung”). Obviously, this is best avoided, so a simple email can really save you a lot of trouble!