Who must be tested for tuberculosis?

In accordance with the recommendations from both the American College Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the University performs targeted tuberculosis (TB) testing. Under these guidelines TB testing is required of students who are more likely to be exposed to TB or who are more likely to develop active infection if they are exposed.

Whether or not you will be required to have TB testing is determined by the answers you give to some of the questions in the Medical History section of the online TB screening form.

If you can answer yes to any of the following questions  you will be required have a TB skin test:

I am in one of the following schools:

• Medical School
• Nursing School
• Dental School
• School of Social Work (MSW Only)

I have been exposed to someone with active TB.
I have received prolonged immunosuppressive  corticosteroids treatment.
I am HIV Positive.
I have or had a serious medical condition (s)
I have or had cancer.
I have diabetes
I have done volunteer work in:

• Hospitals
• Prisons
• Homeless
• With refugees

I am NOT from one of these countries:

If any of the above statements is true you will be required to make an appointment for a TB test at SHS.  Results of PPD tests from other facilities are not accepted.  Please bring whatever related information that you may have such as X-ray reports  previous PPD tests  etc. Submission of proof of a negative IGRA blood test within the 12 months of entrance to Penn is also acceptable. This test can be given at SHS as an alternative to the PPD test.

Failure to meet this requirement will result in denial of student registration privileges.