Ask the Mayor: New TB Testing Standards
Maui Now Ask a Maui Doctor
Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.
Q: My son recently was hired by a local retailer and one of the requirements before starting was to have a Tuberculosis test taken. After researching online, I discovered there are new streamlined methods of administering these tests. My first question for you is if all medical providers within the county and state follow this updated method? My second question is if the County provides TB screening for the community, and if so where and when are these done and how often?
A: Mahalo for your question. My staff reached out to our State Public Health Nursing office, which confirmed that all medical providers should be following the new TB disease screening practices that took effect in March 2018.
The new test includes a questionnaire that assesses TB risk in just a few minutes. The survey includes questions about recent travel, a patient’s immune system and other factors that can help determine the likeliness a person has TB – without getting a shot.
The County of Maui does not provide Tuberculosis (TB) screenings. However, the state Department of Health administers tests and readings at its clinics on each island.
The Wailuku Health Center located at 121 Mahalani Street provides TB testing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and test readings from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays. The Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center located at 1830 Honoapiilani Highway, Room 116 provides testing from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and test readings from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
The Hana Public Health Nursing Office provides testing by appointment only. Please call (808) 248-4855 to schedule a TB test.
On Molokai, the Kaunakakai State Building located at 65 Makena Street, Room 107 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and test readings from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays. On Lanai, the Lanai Public Health Nursing Office located at 628 7th Street provides testing from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month and test readings from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month.
For more information, please visit the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s Tuberculosis Control Branch webpage.
Want to Ask the Mayor?
Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email [email protected].
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