Eric Cohen Student Health Services

Tuberculosis Screening Requirements

All HSC students in one of the following departments: Medicine, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nurse Anesthetist and Physician Assistants will be screened for tuberculosis. This should include a PPD skin test within two months prior to enrollment and every April, thereafter. All PPD’s MUST be done within 364 days of the last PPD. New incoming students are required to document their PPD status. If there is a history of a Positive PPD, the student has ever received the BCG vaccine, or the student was born outside of the U.S., an IGRA test (Quanteferon Gold, TSpot) is mandatory.

Who is required to meet the USC Tuberculosis Screening Regulation?

All new incoming Students
All continuing students in the above departments

Who is not required to receive tuberculin skin testing (PPD) at USC as part of the Student Requirement?

Anyone who has documented INH therapy for prophylaxis for at least six months. In these cases an IGRA test (Quanteferon Gold, TSpot) is required.
Anyone who has been treated for active tuberculosis. In these cases an IGRA test (Quanteferon Gold, TSpot) is required.
Any student that has ever received the BCG vaccine. In these cases an IGRA test (Quanteferon Gold, TSpot) is required.
Anyone with a documented positive PPD skin test. In these cases an IGRA test (Quanteferon Gold, TSpot) is required.

The ECSHC will administer the tuberculin skin testing (PPD) to:

Any Student who has a history of Negative tuberculin skin testing (PPD) and has not had the BCG vaccine
Any Student who has never had a tuberculin skin testing (PPD) and has not had the BCG vaccine

The ECSHC will administer the IGRA test (Tspot) for:

Anyone with a documented positive PPD skin test
Any one with known contact to someone with active Tuberculosis
Any student that has ever received the BCG vaccine
Any patient as part of their diagnostic work up to rule out Tuberculosis

How often is TB testing required:

Annually for both PPD an IGRA testing

Continuing Students

ALL students will have their TB Screening test completed during the month of April. The Eric Cohen Student Health Center and your department will arrange the dates and times for the testing. You will be notified by your department with the exact date and time via email.

If you are unable to attend the arranged time and date that is set for your class, you MUST make an appointment at the ECSHC through MySHR. PPD testing cannot be scheduled on any Thursdays. IGRA testing must be scheduled before 3pm on any day.

IGRA test (Quanteferon Gold, Tspot)

If you have had a positive TB skin test in the past, and/or have had the BCG vaccine , you will be required to have an IGRA test (Quanteferon Gold, Tspot) annually. There will be a $46.00 fee for this test.