August 29, 2013

Shortage forces suspension of routine tuberculosis testing

Due to a national shortage of the tuberculosis (TB) test solution Tubersol, Occupational Health will temporarily suspend routine annual skin tests, effective Sept. 1, said Patricia Kinman, MSN, FNP-BC, manager of the Vanderbilt Occupational Health Clinic

Due to a national shortage of the tuberculosis (TB) test solution Tubersol, Occupational Health will temporarily suspend routine annual skin tests, effective Sept. 1, said Patricia Kinman, MSN, FNP-BC, manager of the Vanderbilt Occupational Health Clinic

Testing will continue for new employees and people who have been exposed to a case of tuberculosis.

So no staff or faculty member is penalized for having an overdue skin test, compliance reporting will be adjusted, Kinman said. Individuals will be notified by email of the deferral of their annual skin test, and again when the testing program resumes.