[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF TB TESTING MATERIALS IMPACTS LOCAL SERVICES

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Martin, Community Health Manager
573-874-7354 or mmmartin at gocolumbiamo.com

NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF TB TESTING MATERIALS IMPACTS LOCAL SERVICES

COLUMBIA, MO (April 17, 2013) - Due to a nationwide shortage of TUBERSOL®, the product used for TB skin testing (sometimes referred to as “PPD”), the Public Health and Human Services clinic is implementing a temporary change in testing procedures. Effective immediately, the clinic will NOT offer TB skin testing for:

*Routine annual and pre-employment screening

*Pre-enrollment screening for schools, colleges or training programs

 

During the suspension of TB skin testing, individuals can be tested using a blood test, called T-Spot, at the clinic, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost of the TB blood test is $70.

 

The nationwide shortage is expected to last through the end of May. Once there is an adequate supply of the TB skin testing product, the clinic anticipates returning to its full pre-shortage level of service.

 

Public Health and Human Services’ testing change is the result of a CDC notice advising public health officials, clinicians and workers in occupational health and infection control of the shortage and how to adapt to it. CDC’s complete health alert is available at: http://emergency.cdc.gov/HAN/han00345.asp


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