DOH Streamlines TB Testing Requirements

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Traditional tuberculosis (TB) skin tests may no longer be necessary for many Hawai‘i residents seeking TB clearance for employment, school, food handling or participation in other programs, thanks to new TB testing requirements.

Following the recommendations of the majority of healthcare organizations, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Hawai‘i Department of Health will begin instituting new TB screening procedures beginning March 19, 2018.

Previous Procedure

The previous standard procedure: a TB skin test involves an injection administered by a healthcare professional that requires a follow-up examination to “read” the injected area within 48 to 72 hours.

“The screening procedures we established 12 years ago have been updated with better, proven procedures to more accurately determine someone’s risk of exposure to TB,” said Dr. Elizabeth MacNeill, TB Control Branch chief. “This allows us to make better use of health resources and reduce unnecessary x-rays for those who have no risk. It also allows us to focus on providing treatment for those who would really benefit from treatment.”

Current Requirement

Now, when individuals visit their healthcare provider for a routine TB screening, they will be asked to complete a new standardized and detailed TB risk assessment questionnaire—a process that only takes a few minutes.

“We will be asking for more information about the person being screened, including symptoms of TB disease and health risks, such as a weakened immune system, which place that person at higher risk of getting TB,” Dr. MacNeill added. “The new process will help the healthcare community do a better job of screening for TB.”

One of the survey questions asks whether the individual has traveled abroad for four weeks or more to locations known for their prevalence of TB.

Based on an individual’s responses to the questions and other observations, a physician or advance practice nurse may determine the individual does not have any risks or symptoms and will be able to issue a TB clearance letter the same day without requiring the individual to take a skin test.

Officials say the new rule does not apply to those working in the healthcare field. Healthcare workers are still required to obtain an annual TB screening and a test if they had no positive tests in the past.

Additional Screening Update: TB Blood Test

There is another update to the screening process: a TB blood test can be substituted for a TB skin test. Anyone above the age of five who is identified by the survey as being at risk for TB will be required to take either a TB skin test or a TB blood test. The blood test is not currently approved for children under age five and will not be accepted for this age group for clearance purposes.

Individuals with a positive TB skin test are still required to have a chest x-ray. Individuals with suspicious TB symptoms will require both a TB test as well as a chest x-ray before they receive clearance.

DOH will continue to provide the TB skin test free of change at designated locations statewide. People may request the blood test for TB from their healthcare provider. Most local doctors can provide the risk screen and skin test, but it’s recommended to call in advance. The TB blood test is more expensive than a TB skin test but is an option for those who do not want a skin test. In some cases, the blood test may be covered by health insurance plans.