Tuberculosis Testing

The Occupational Health and Immunization office provides medical care to injured workers, immunizations as required for employment, travel or academic courses and TB skin tests for international students and those in health care or educational programs.

We are located in Hudson Health Center 101 and you can contact us by calling 740-593-4747.

Do I have to be screened for Tuberculosis (TB)?
If you are a newly-enrolled international student, or an international student returning after an absence of two or more years, you are required to have a tuberculosis skin test through the Student Health Service.  Students who are enrolled in programs through the College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Education might also be required by their programs, or law, to have Tuberculosis skin test screening.  Check with your college, or department.

What is TB?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But, TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States.

TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. However, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. People who are not sick have what is called latent TB infection. People who have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. But, some people with latent TB infection go on to get TB disease.

People with active TB disease can be treated and cured if they seek medical help. Even better, people with latent TB infection can take medicine so that they will not develop active TB disease.
 
Why is TB a problem today?
Starting in the 1940s, scientists discovered the first of several medicines now used to treat TB. As a result, TB slowly began to decrease in the United States. But in the 1970s and early 1980s, the country let its guard down and TB control efforts were neglected. As a result, between 1985 and 1992, the number of TB cases increased. However, with increased funding and attention to the TB problem, we have had a steady decline in the number of persons with TB since 1992. But TB is still a problem; more than 14,000 cases were reported in 2003 in the United States.

What is the TB skin test?
The TB skin test may be used to find out if you have TB infection. You can get a skin test at the health department or at your doctor's office.  At Ohio University's Athens campus, you can go to Hudson Health Center for this test.  A health care worker will inject a small amount of testing fluid (called tuberculin or PPD) just under the skin on the under side of the forearm.  After 3 days, you must return to have your skin test read by the health care worker. You may have a swelling where the tuberculin was injected. The health care worker will measure this swelling and tell you if your reaction to the test is positive or negative. 

What if I have a positive test for TB?
If you have a positive reaction to the TB skin test, your doctor or nurse may do other tests to see if you have active TB disease. These tests usually include a chest x-ray and a test of the phlegm you cough up. Because the TB bacteria may be found somewhere other than your lungs, your doctor or nurse may check your blood or urine, or do other tests.  If you have a positive test and no indication of active disease, you will be referred to the VIP (Very Important Prophylaxis) Program also conducted in Hudson Health Center.  The intent of this program is to start a prophylactic program, which included taking medicine, that will prevent a person from getting Tuberculosis disease.

When can I get a TB skin test?
TB skin tests are administered on Tuesdays and must be read 3 days later (Fridays) except when a holiday falls on one of those days.


Hours for TB skin tests:
Are administered on Tuesdays, 8:00 -- 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 -- 4:00 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.
The results are read on the following Friday, 8:00 -- 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 -- 4:00 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.

 
What is the charge for a TB skin test?
There is no charge for a TB skin test.

Additional information on TB is available from the Centers for Disease Control.