- Who needs to get a tuberculosis (TB) test?
- What kind of TB test is required?
- How should the Mantoux/PPD TB test reaction be documented?
- I have received a BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine in the past. Do I still need a TB test?
- What if I’ve had a previous positive TB test?
- Can I get a chest X-ray instead of a TB test?
- What if I’ve had a history of tuberculosis infection?
Who needs to get a tuberculosis (TB) test?
TB tests are required only for students who are identified as being at a higher risk. See the New Student Immunization and Tuberculin form, to find out if you need a TB test.
What kind of TB test is required?
MIT accepts:
the Mantoux 5TU PPD skin test,
the T-spot test, or
the Quantiferon-Gold test.
MIT will not accept multiple puncture tests such as tine, HEAF, or Monovac.
How should the Mantoux/PPD TB test reaction be documented?
The TB test reaction must be documented in millimeters and signed by a physician or nurse. The physician or nurse must read the reaction within 48 to 72 hours after the test is administered.
MIT will not accept a simple reading of “positive” or “negative.”
A reaction of 10mm or greater is considered positive.
I have received a BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine in the past. Do I still need a TB test?
Yes. You still need a TB test if you are in the higher-risk group (see the New Student Immunization and Tuberculin form).
What if I’ve had a previous positive TB test?
If you have had a previous positive TB test, you must provide:
Proof of a negative chest X-ray taken after your positive Mantoux, T-Spot, or Quantiferon-Gold TB test within 12 months from your registration date, and
Documentation that you have no symptoms of tuberculosis.
Can I get a chest X-ray instead of a TB test?
No. You can only substitute a chest X-ray taken within 12 months from your registration date if you have had a previous Mantoux TB test that was positive with a reaction of 10mm or greater or a previous positive T-spot/QuantiFERON-Gold TB test.
What if I’ve had a history of tuberculosis infection?
If you have had a history of tuberculosis infection you must provide:
- Chest X-ray within 12 months from your registration date.
- Documentation that you have no current symptoms of tuberculosis.
- Documentation of treatment dates if previously treated.