Introduction to BCG Scar Checks – Elearning

Our Introduction to BCG Scar Checks Short Course is part of the Health Academy Short Course series and provides clinicians with the essential knowledge required to safely and accurately assess BCG vaccination scars. This focused e-learning programme explores tuberculosis, the UK BCG vaccination programme, eligibility groups, alternative screening methods (Mantoux and IGRA), and the full scar assessment process. It is ideal for nurses, health visitors, screening teams, and clinicians involved in BCG programmes, Occupational Health or TB prevention services.

What You'll Learn

  • Understand the purpose of BCG vaccination and the role of scar checks within the TB prevention programme.
  • Recognise eligibility criteria for BCG vaccination, including neonatal, childhood, and occupational risk groups.
  • Apply national guidance on how to assess BCG scars, document findings, identify when further vaccination or referral is required, and communicate results.

This course includes

Videos

Case Studies

Quizzes & Assessments

Course Content

Overview of course structure, learning objectives, and professional context for scar checking.

  • Overview of TB transmission, risk factors and clinical significance

  • Global and UK TB burden

  • Importance of prevention strategies
  • Purpose of the selective BCG programme

  • Eligibility criteria for neonates, children, and adults

  • Expected reactions and scar development timeline
  • TB risks associated with travel to high-prevalence regions

  • When BCG may be indicated for travellers

  • Considerations for long-term stays and occupational travel
  • TB risk in healthcare and other high-risk settings

  • BCG vaccination recommendations for staff

  • Screening and competency requirements
  • When Mantoux testing is used

  • How IGRA testing fits into TB screening pathways

  • Interpreting results alongside scar checks

  • Their role in assessing BCG vaccination status
  • Taking a history of BCG vaccination

  • Typical appearance and variations of a BCG scar

  • Distinguishing BCG scars from other lesions (including smallpox scars)

  • Identifying absent or unclear scars

  • Documentation, outcomes, and referral pathways
  • Examples of normal vs ambiguous vs absent scars

  • Applied decision-making scenarios

  • Communicating outcomes
  • UKHSA guidance

  • The Green Book

  • Links to national TB programme resources

FAQs

Yes, you will receive a certificate on successful completion of the course.

Assessment is completed through multiple-choice questions integrated throughout the course and at the end.

This e-learning course is self-paced, with most participants completing it in around two hours.

Please note: This course is suitable for anyone involved in BCG scar screening as part of their role. For those administering the BCG vaccination or conducting Mantoux testing, additional training in those areas is recommended. As with any clinical skill, it is strongly advised to undergo a period of supervised practice to ensure competency.

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Description

Welcome to this Introduction to BCG Scar Checks course. This course aims to equip learners with the essential knowledge and skills needed for assessing BCG vaccination scars.

 

What does the Introduction to BCG Scar Checks Course cover?

Core modules include:

  • Introduction to BCG Scar Checks Course
  • What is Tuberculosis?
  • Overview of the BCG Vaccination Programme in the UK
  • Tuberculosis and Travel
  • Occupational Tuberculosis Risk
  • BCG Scar Checking Process
  • BCG Scar Checking Case Studies
  • Tuberculosis – Further Reading and Resources
  • End of course assessment

 

Why take this course?

This course aims to provide you with a foundation for the essential knowledge and skills needed to safely and accurately assess BCG vaccination scars. We will explore comprehensive information on TB, including its symptoms, transmission, treatment and prevention. You will learn about the history of the BCG vaccination programme in the UK, along with current recommendations for its use, including those who are at higher risk. Additionally we’ll cover insights into alternative screening methods for BCG, such as Mantoux testing and IGRA testing, giving you a broader understanding of the whole assessment process.

You will learn how to take a history of BCG vaccination and practical tips on correct identification, typical features and how to distinguish the BCG scars from other scars, such as those caused by smallpox. By the end of the course you will feel more confident in undertaking the BCG scar check process and understand the importance and reasons for correct identification measures.

Please note: This course is suitable for anyone involved in BCG scar screening as part of their role. For those administering the BCG vaccination or conducting Mantoux testing, additional training in those areas is recommended. As with any clinical skill, it is strongly advised to undergo a period of supervised practice to ensure competency.

 

CPD hours

The course provides 2 hours of CPD                                                   

 

 

 

What delegates say about our courses

 

5 gold stars review

“Course is very useful & practical. Well presented and clear and layout of site is good. Graphics very helpful.”

Peter Hughes

 

 

 

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E-learning

Professional Certificate

Develop the practical confidence to perform accurate BCG scar checks using clear, up-to-date guidance aligned to the UK neonatal and selective BCG vaccination programme.

E-learning self-paced course

£22.80

2

CPD Hours

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