TUBERCULIN SKIN TESTING POLICY

PURPOSE: To prevent and control the spread of tuberculosis on the college campus and close living quarters of the students. “There are 15 million individuals in the United States who have been infected with tubercle bacilli in the past and 150,000 of these people reside in South Carolina .” There are basic strategies for the prevention and control of TB to include keeping those who are not infected from becoming infected and preventing those who are infected from becoming infectious.

GENERAL: This is to establish guidelines for Newberry College to promote wellness on campus and within the dormitories by preventing the spread of tuberculosis.

REFERENCES: Tuberculin Skin Testing Resource Guide for Health Care Providers- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

PROCEDURES:

1. All incoming students are required to have a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test within one year prior to admission to Newberry College . The results or reading from the test must be read within 48 hours of administration of the test or the test is not valid. The results should be documented in mm; positive or negative is not acceptable and the results recorded on the Health History Form.
2. All international students are required to receive the Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test as stated above regardless of prior BCG vaccination.
3. It is required to have a copy of a chest x-ray within the past five years if an individual tests positive for TB. The chest x-ray report should be attached to the Health History Form.
4. It is required to complete a Tuberculosis Questionnaire every year if an individual tests positive. This will also be filed with the Health History Form. The student can obtain the form from the Nurses office.
5. The campus nurse may administer per standing orders PPD 0.1 ml intradermal to forearm x 1 to any student who was unable to obtain the test. The cost will be $10.00 to the student. The student is required to return to the Nurses office 48 hours after administration to have the test read. Failure to have the test read makes it invalid.
6. The following guidelines will be followed to interpret the skin test reaction or reading:
7. A reaction of > or = 5mm induration is considered positive in patients with HIV infection or risk factors for HIV infection. The student may talk with nurse regarding risk factors.
8. Reactions of >or = 10mm induration are considered positive who have other risk factors to include foreign-born persons who have recently arrived within the last five years from countries with a high prevalence of TB (Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Middle East). Also, high risk populations to include Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders. Other risk factors may be discussed wit the nurse.
9. An induration of > or = to 15mm is considered positive for all others who do not have any risk factors for TB.
10. If the test is positive the student will be referred to Newberry County Health Department by the campus nurse with appropriate documentation of referral made. This will be included in Health file.
11. The campus nurse is required to obtain an order for administration annually from the contract physician.
12. MANDATORY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PRECEDING REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN A VERBAL WARNING AND IF CORRECTIVE ACTION IS NOT TAKEN, AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE OF $ 25.00 WILL BE COMPOSED.

POINT OF CONTACT: College Nurse