What if I'm not in the program but I'm worried that I could have potential exposure?
If you do not receive an annual TB reminder notice and you feel you may have potential for exposure, please give EHS a call at 764-8021. A nurse will review your current job duties and your risk of exposure. Any employee who wants a TB skin test can get one free of charge from EHS (on or off-site). For employees who are involved in the TB screening program, the annual test is mandatory.
What if I'm already positive?
Employees who have a documented history of a positive TB skin test are not required to have annual tests and should not receive TB testing notification. If you have a positive test, you should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis and consult EHS if you have any symptoms or concerns.
If I'm pregnant do I have to have the test done?
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, TB skin testing is safe during pregnancy and there is no reason to delay the test. However, if you are reluctant to have this done during pregnancy, we respect your wishes and you can delay the test until after delivery and return to work. If you are due for TB testing and wish to defer testing due to pregnancy, call EHS with your expected return to work date and we will defer your test until that month.
How do I send skin test results to Employee Health Service?
If the employee was given a TB documentation form, supervisors or employees can fax the information to EHS (734-763-7405) or send to EHS via campus mail to C380 Med Inn, Box 0838. Results can also be sent to EHS electronically from this secure web page: TB documentation form. Skin tests that are not documented in EHS are not considered in compliance with UMHS policy.
What action should be a supervisor take if an employee is not in compliance with TB skin testing?
The policy states that employees who are listed as not being compliant should not be allowed to work until they have had the skin test placed. Each month supervisors will receive an email with a non-compliant list. Employees on this list should be sent immediately to Employee Health Service or to the designated person at their off-site clinic to have the skin test placed.
What if my skin test turns out to be positive or difficult to read?
Any positive or questionable TB skin test should be re-read at EHS. This is important for ensuring quality control avoiding misclassification that could impact our tuberculosis exposure control plan.
