Tuberculosis Screening and Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also impact other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

As a university community, it’s crucial to stay informed about TB to ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff. Early detection and treatment can prevent the spread of TB and protect our campus.

Requirements, Recommendations, & Testing

International Students

It is REQUIRED for international students from countries with an increased incidence of TB (see list below) to provide documentation of current TB testing.  Students who have lived/spent time (ie for a cumulative period of one to three months) in these countries should also be tested.

High Risk Students

It is RECOMMENDED for students with any of the following risk factors to have TB testing:

• Close contacts of persons known or suspected to have active TB disease
• Visited areas with a high prevalence of TB disease, especially if visits are frequent or prolonged
• Residents and employees of high-risk congregate settings (e.g., correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, and homeless shelters)
• Health care workers who serve clients who are at increased risk for active TB disease
• Populations defined locally as having an increased incidence of latent M. tuberculosis infection or active TB disease, possibly including medically under-served, low-income populations, or persons who abuse drugs or alcohol

TB Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) testing methods for college students in the United States are guided by the CDC and the American College Health Association (ACHA). TB tests must have been done within the 12 months prior to the first day of classes. Acceptable TB tests include:  

Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs)

• Blood tests that measure the immune system’s response to TB bacteria.
• The two FDA-approved IGRAs in the U.S. are below, if you cannot obtain these tests in your country, you can make an appointment at Campus Health when you arrive.
  • QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus)
  • T-SPOT®.TB test
• Preferred for people who have received the BCG vaccine or are unlikely to return for a second appointment (as required by TST).
• Results of the IGRA MUST be in English and contain demographic information (name, date of birth, etc.)

Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)

• Also known as the Mantoux test or PPD test.
• Involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative under the skin of the forearm.
• The test site is examined 48–72 hours later for swelling, which indicates a possible TB infection.
• Documentation of a TST is acceptable only from a United States facility. 

If the TST result is equal to or greater than 5mm or the TB blood test is positive or indeterminate, you will be required to schedule a TB evaluation with a Campus Health provider before your immunization status can be cleared. Please bring written documentation of any previous positive test results or completed treatment for active TB disease to the clearance appointment.

If you cannot provide results of a current TB test that meets the above requirements, please call our appointment line to get testing at Campus Health.  This must be completed within the first 30 days of class.

If you have any questions, please call 919-966-2283 or email [email protected] and the Immunization Coordinator will assist you.