TB Evaluation Policy

Policy on TB Evaluation

In accordance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations, (page 374), all students entering the University of Kansas Medical Center are required to be screened for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in the U.S. or Canada. Acceptable screening options include:

• Documentation of two TB skin tests (PPD) administered and interpreted within the past 12 months prior to enrollment. The most recent PPD test should be within three months prior to enrollment. For those students who cannot provide evidence of two PPD tests within 12 months of enrollment, placement of two consecutive PPD tests within one to three weeks of each other is required.
• Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs). QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT®.TB test (T-Spot) are acceptable options.

Any student with positive screening results is treated according to protocols consistent with current CDC guidelines and will be required to obtain a chest x-ray. Any student with a positive screening is required to meet with a KU Medical Center Student Health provider to discuss our protocol and prophylaxis.

In the event that a student with Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) refuses treatment, Student Health Services will document the refusal and obtain the student's signature on a waiver form. On an annual basis, any student who has had a positive screening must complete a Student Health TB questionnaire.

Any student who has had a positive PPD, has been immunized with BCG, has health issues that would affect the accuracy of a PPD or is from a country that is on the World Health Organization (WHO) endemic country list is required to complete an IGRA.

All KU Medical Center students are required to be screened for TB annually. If a student is delinquent on his or her annual TB skin test, a hold may be placed on his or her account. Any student who has had a positive screening must complete a Student Health TB questionnaire after completing the initial follow up as listed above.

Any PPD administered by KU Medical Center Student Health must be read by a KU Medical Center Student Health employee. If not, the student must pay a fee of $20.00 to re-administer another PPD.

In the event that the student does not comply with any portion of the TB evaluation policy, the student will be deemed non-compliant and subject to disenrollment at KU Medical Center.

NOTE: Any student who has previously or is currently being treated for LTBI must provide KU Medical Center Student Health Services with appropriate documentation.