What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
How do you get TB?
Why do you do TB skin tests?
Who is required to be TB skin tested?
How often must you be tested?
I had BCG. Do I have to be tested?
Can I read my own test and call in my results?
When should my TB skin test be read?
What if my test is negative?
What if my test is positive?
How do I obtain a copy of my TB skin test reading?

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis is an airborne communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB).

How do you get TB?
TB is spread by tiny airborne particles that may be generated when a person with infectious tuberculosis sneezes, coughs, speaks or sings. Infection occurs when a susceptible person inhales these infected droplets.

Why do you do TB skin tests?
The TB skin tests are performed to determine if persons have been exposed to infectious TB and have the TB germ in their bodies.

Who is required to be TB skin tested?
All Medical Center faculty/staff who have previously been negative or who have never had a TB skin test done at Vanderbilt. Additionally, all new employees of the medical center are required to have two-step TB skin testing. The first TB skin test will be administered at the initial Occupational Health evaluation. The second TB skin test should be administered two weeks later. See Policy CL 30-04.19 and New Employee Evaluation.

How often must you be tested?
A minimum of one TB skin test per year is required for all Medical Center faculty/staff who have previously had negative skin tests and who work with patients. Those without patient contact should consult their supervisor. See Policy CL 30-04.19.

I had BCG. Do I have to be tested?
A TB skin test is not contraindicated for persons who have had BCG vaccinations. The skin test can help determine if the person does or does not have a TB infection. You will need to have a TB skin test unless you have previously had a positive TB skin test.

Can I read my own test and call in my results?
No one may read his/her own skin test. A trained, certified reader must read your TB skin test. Trained readers include: any physician, most Occupational Health Clinic staff and certain persons from designated units that have been trained/certified by OHC. See OHC's TB Skin Test Training Program.

When should my TB skin test be read?
The TB skin test must be read within 48 to 72 hours after it is placed. If it is not read within this time limit, a repeat test will be required.

What if my test is negative?
If your TB skin test is considered negative, no further action is needed until your next scheduled testing or following exposure.

What if my test is positive?
If your test is positive, you will not need to take another TB skin test--it will always be positive. You will need an appointment with an OHC provider for further evaluation and/or treatment. You will need to have a chest x-ray one time.

How do I obtain a copy of my TB skin test reading?
Please call (615) 936-0955 to request a copy of your TB record. Allow 24 to 48 hours for your records to be processed. Due to the confidentiality of medical records we will not be able to fax TB skin test records.