In most states TB testing is a pre-requisite to credentialing and employment in the public school system, and in some states day care centers.  Follow-up testing is required, usually every four years.  Instead of sending each employee to an assigned clinic location, then waiting on the paperwork that you need for their personnel file...Test-med will come to you!

Scheduling TB Testing
It is suggested that you schedule your TB testing in the fall; this allows you to, at the same time, schedule flu shots.  TB Testing requires two (2) visits, 48-72 hours apart, Tuesday & Thursday or Wednesday & Friday.  On the first visit the nurse will administer the skin test and on the following visit she will read the results, determining whether the test site is reactive or negative.  If it is re-active, the person will be instructed to see their personal physician immediately. 

At the time of the reading, flu shots can be administered…thus experiencing less down time.  No more sending reminder after reminder…you schedule their testing it will get done!!!

Screening for TB
Forty-four states require that certain populations be screened for TB. Screening is frequently required for school employees (20 states), employees of medical facilities (18 states), and day care employees (11 states). TB testing is typically required before the start of employment. Eleven states also require that schoolchildren be screened for TB.

Why is TB a problem today?
In the 1940s, scientists discovered the first of several medicines now used to treat TB. As a result, TB slowly began to decrease in the United States. But in the 1970s and early 1980s, the country let its guard down and TB control efforts were neglected. As a result, between 1985 and 1992, the number of TB cases increased. However, with increased funding and attention to the TB problem, we have had a steady decline in the number of persons with TB since 1992. But TB is still a problem; more than 14,000 cases were reported in 2003 in the United States.

What is TB?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But, TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States.

How is TB spread?
TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, they can move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain.

TB in the lungs or throat can be infectious. This means that the bacteria can be spread to other people. TB in other parts of the body, such as the kidney or spine, is usually not infectious.

People with active TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, and coworkers.

However, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. People who are not sick have what is called latent TB infection. People who have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. But, some people with latent TB infection go on to get TB disease.

People with active TB disease can be treated and cured if they seek medical help. Even better, people with latent TB infection can take medicine so that they will not develop active TB disease.