5.22 - Guidelines for Tuberculin Skin Testing

Guidelines for Tuberculin Skin Testing

The following guidelines were derived from statements from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Unified Government, Kansas City Kansas-Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control . These statements apply to all employees and selected students.

Students enrolled in Allied Health classes, working in the Campus Childcare facility, or Student Health Services are required to obtain the PPD skin test prior to working or attending their particular clinical setting.

1. All new employees are required as a pre-employment stipulation to produce proof of freedom from active Tuberculosis through one of the following. A negative tuberculin PPD skin test, or a negative chest x-ray less than one year old.

2. Student nurses entering the College RN program for the first semester must obtain two PPD skin tests: the first test, followed by a second test one to two weeks later. This is called the ―booster effect‖ and is required by hospitals before working in the clinical settings. The Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) test may be obtained from the College Nurse at no cost to employees and students as long as they follow testing guidelines.

3. If the PPD test produces a negative or non-significant reaction, non Allied Health personnel need not be tested again unless directly exposed to a proven case of tuberculosis. Allied Health students and Allied Health professors must receive a yearly PPD.

4. In the event that an individual‘s test is reactive, the employee/prospective employee or student must obtain a chest x-ray at their expense . If the chest x-ray is positive for active TB, Health Department recommendations must be followed. Medication is provided free by local health departments.

5. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires individuals diagnosed as having active tuberculosis be excluded from class and/or work while beginning treatment and until released in writing by their personal physician, or the Health Department. (Usually 10 days to two weeks.)

6. The College Nurse and Campus Childcare Center employees must be tested for tuberculosis annually. After the initial TB test, Allied Health instructors should follow hospital regulations that include an annual TB skin test or chest x-ray.

7. If a student or employee has received BCG vaccine, the tuberculin skin test should still be given if there has not been a skin test or chest x-ray within the year. If there is a reaction of 10 mm or more, the employee or student will be referred to their physician, or the local Health Department.

8. Tuberculosis is a reportable disease and must be reported to the local Health Department. If a student or employee is concerned about possible exposure, they should contact their personal physician or the College Nurse at 913-288-7683.

9. TB Records are kept in the College Nurse‘s office for 5 years and then destroyed.