Tuberculosis Requirements
Health professional colleges may require testing for tuberculosis (TB). Student Health Services and the associated programs follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for TB Screening and Testing of Health Care Personnel.
Please note that a Tuberculosis test CANNOT be performed within 4 weeks of an MMR or Varicella vaccine. Any TB test completed within 4 weeks of a live vaccine is considered invalid and will need repeated.
Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD)
- PPD results must contain the following:
- Date of placement
- Date of reading/evaluation
- Overall result (positive or negative)
- Induration in millimeters
- PPD results without the complete information will not be accepted for the requirement
- A 2-step PPD involves getting two 1-step PPDs done in rapid succession, between 1-3 weeks apart
- The second test is more accurate based on a “boosting” of the body’s immune response from the first test
Tuberculosis Blood Test
- The following TB blood tests are acceptable for the requirements:
- QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-G)
- T-spot
- Any other IGRA
- Sputum tests are not acceptable for any TB testing requirement
Positive Tuberculosis Tests
- Students with new or past positive TB tests must submit the following to meet the requirements of their college:
- Documentation of the positive TB skin or blood test
- Documentation of the chest x-ray completed at the time of diagnosis
- Any past TB treatment, if applicable
- The completed Annual TB Evaluation form
Obtain a Tuberculosis Test at SHS
- Check with your program for the type of TB test they require
- Appointments can be made through My BuckMD, or by calling 614-292-4321.
- Select "Health Professional Student PPD" as the appointment type.