Tuberculosis Screening/PPD at University Health Services
All new employees, students and volunteers must undergo tuberculosis (TB) screening to join the Jefferson community. Beginning in March 2013, the standard tuberculosis screening for anyone entering the organization is an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test.
Annual TB screening is required of all current Jefferson employees, students and volunteers. Please keep in mind that there is no harm in repeating the screening sooner than one year. There are three ways to become compliant with the annual TB screening requirement.
- Have an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test performed
- Have a tuberculin skin test (PPD) placed and read
- Complete the Annual Tuberculosis Signs and Symptoms questionnaire (bottom section of the UHS Mandatory Tuberculosis Screen form) – only if you have a positive PPD history
One of these three options must be completed annually to remain in compliance.
New to the process? Read our PPD Information Sheet.
PPD Placement
PPDs are placed daily on a walk-in basis at UHS during standard UHS office hours. PPDs must be read by a physician or nurse within 48 hours after placement. You MUST have the PPD read to complete the screening. Having it placed and not read invalidates the PPD and it must be repeated. Only those who complete the reading are considered compliant with the annual TB screening requirement.
If you are a provider who has been trained to place and read tuberculosis skin tests, please utilize the top section of the UHS Mandatory Tuberculosis Screen form. Please complete the form legibly and document the reading, including the read date, the mm of the induration and the provider signature. Completed forms should be scanned and e-mailed to JeffUHS@jeffersonhospital.org.
If you have concerns regarding the reading, please call 215-955-6835 to speak with a UHS provider.
Annual Tuberculosis Signs & Symptoms Questionnaire
Anyone with a positive PPD history must complete the Annual Tuberculosis Signs and Symptoms questionnaire on the bottom section of the UHS Mandatory Tuberculosis Screen form each year for the duration of employment/enrollment/placement with Jefferson.
Once you submit your questionnaire, it will be reviewed by a UHS nurse. If your questionnaire highlights symptoms of concern, a UHS nurse will contact you at the phone number provided on the form. Otherwise, the form will be approved by the nurse and filed in your UHS health record making you compliant with the annual TB screening requirement.