As of July 1, 2021, Case Western Reserve University Health and Counseling Services will be following the below procedures for all health science students (consistent with the CDC Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/healthcareworkers.htm):
First Year Health Science Students
First year health science students will need TB testing (skin or blood) and screening prior to or at arrival.
At this time, UHCS is providing a TB blood test (IGRA). The cost of this test is almost always covered by your medical insurance. You may check with your insurance company before getting the test to make sure it is covered on your insurance plan. If you receive a charge for the test ordered by the Health Service, please send a secure message to our nurse (Nurse, Immunization) through myhealthconnect.case.edu so that we can assist with the payment.
All Other Years
Annual TB testing (skin or blood) is NO longer required for some health science students. Students will need to complete a yearly risk assessment form and acknowledge receipt of an educational handout through myhealthconnect.case.edu.
Some programs still require students to have annual testing (PA, nursing, Podiatry): these students should get Tb testing done within one year of their most recent testing.
If you have any questions not answered below, please log-in to myhealthconnect.case.edu and send a secure message to "Nurse, Immunization."
Frequently Asked Questions
You will note this information on your initial screening form, and a provider from Health Services will contact you to consult about next steps.
It depends. You must have had a TWO-step skin test (PPD) or a blood test within the past three months to meet the requirement. If you have any questions, please secure message our nurse (Nurse, Immunization) through myhealthconnect.case.edu.
You will likely be contacted by Infection Control at your rotation site. However, please know that you can and should always reach out to Health Services for additional guidance.
UH&CS is happy to accommodate any student who needs to complete a requirement for a rotation. Please log-in to myhealthconnect.case.edu and send a secure message to TB Nurse.
The cost of this test is almost always covered by your medical insurance. If you receive a charge for the test ordered by the Health Service, please send a secure message to our nurse (Nurse, Immunization) through myhealthconnect.case.edu so that we can assist with the payment.
Tuberculosis Testing and Screening Procedure
1. Baseline and TB Screening and Testing
All CWRU Health Care Personnel (HCP) should be screened for TB upon matriculation and/or hire (i.e., preplacement). TB screening is a process that includes:
- A baseline individual TB risk assessment
- TB symptom evaluation,
- A TB test (e.g., TB blood test or a TB skin test), and
- Additional evaluation for TB disease as needed
Information from the baseline individual TB risk assessment should be used to interpret the results of a TB blood test or TB skin test. CWRU health care personnel with a positive TB test result should receive a symptom evaluation and a chest x-ray to rule out TB disease. Additional workup may be needed based on those results.
CWRU health care personnel with a documented history of a prior positive TB test should receive a baseline individual TB risk assessment and TB symptom screen upon hire (i.e., preplacement). A repeat TB test (e.g., TB blood test or a TB skin test) is not required.
2. Annual Screening, Testing and Education
Annual TB testing of health care personnel is not recommended unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission at a healthcare facility. All health care personnel should receive TB education annually. TB education should include information on TB risk factors, the signs and symptoms of TB disease, and TB infection control policies and procedures.
- CWRU HCP will receive an annual TB symptom screen and TB education.
- CWRU HCP who complete a negative symptom screen and receive the education module will be marked compliant annually.
- CWRU HCP with TB symptoms or a known exposure will receive additional evaluation and testing as indicated.
Students who are required by a specific rotation site or other clinic location to have TB test (skin or blood test) after matriculation will be accommodated.