TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING

Tuberculosis is a disease, primarily of the lungs caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is usually an airborne disease. We will perform a tuberculosis skin test to see if your have been exposed to tuberculosis.

You will receive an intradermal injection TST (Tuberculin Skin Test) into your arm at the first visit. You need to return to Health Services to have the results of the test read within 48-72 hours. If you do not return within this time you must have the test repeated.

You may not be able to have a Tuberculin Skin Test if you:

1. Are pregnant or breast feeding. Consult your doctor first.
2. Have depressed immune system due to disease or medications. Medications include any kind of steroids (including nasal steroids), chemotherapy or any other medication that suppresses your immune response. If you are not sure about your medications, ask your doctor.
3. Are HIV positive or have AIDS or cancer. Consult your doctor.
4. Have ever had a positive TB skin test. Health Services will need to have a copy of the positive documented test. Health Services will need a chest x-Ray report. You should bring all your available records to Health Services so the nurse can discuss this with you.
5. Are allergic to any of the components of the 
   test solution.
6. Ever had a severe reaction to the 
   TB skin test injection.
7. Are acutely ill.
8. Have received MMR, Oral Polio (OPV) or yellow fever vaccinations within the past 6 weeks.

If you have any questions about Tuberculosis screening please call Student Health Services 619-644-7192