South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-108 - STANDARDS FOR LICENSING FREESTANDING OR MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
Sec2 61-108.1400 - INFECTION CONTROL AND ENVIRONMENT
Section 61-108.1400.1404 - Tuberculin Screening (I)

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-108.1400.1404

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

A. Tuberculin screening, utilizing a two-step intradermal (Mantoux) method of five tuberculin units of stabilized purified protein derivative (PPD), is a procedure recommended by the CDC Guidelines for Preventing Transmission of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Health Care Facilities to establish baseline status. The two-step procedure involves one initial tuberculin skin test with a negative result, followed 7-21 days later by a second test. A licensed nurse may perform the tuberculin screening.

B. Testing Procedures.

1. Direct care staff members shall have a two-step tuberculin skin test within three months prior to patient contact. If there is a documented negative tuberculin skin test (at least single-step) within the previous 12 months, the individual shall be required to have only one tuberculin skin test to establish a baseline status. If two-step testing is indicated, it is acceptable for staff and volunteers who are asymptomatic for TB to begin patient contact after completion of the first skin test with a documented negative result.

2. Individuals with negative test results from the initial two-step procedure shall be required to have an annual one-step skin test.

C. Positive Reactions/Exposure.

1. Individuals with tuberculin skin test reactions of 10mm or more of induration and known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals with tuberculin skin test reactions of 5mm or more of induration shall be referred to a physician or other legally authorized health care provider for appropriate evaluation.

2. All persons who are known or suspected to have tuberculosis (TB) shall be evaluated by a physician or other legally authorized health care provider. These individuals shall not be allowed to return to work until they have been declared non-contagious.

3. Patients with symptoms of TB shall be isolated and/or treated or referred as necessary by a physician or other legally authorized health care provider, and documented in the patient record.

4. Individuals who have a prior history of TB shall be required to have a chest radiograph and certification within one month prior to employment by a physician or other legally authorized health care provider that they are not contagious.

5. If an individual who was previously documented as skin test negative has an exposure to a documented case of TB, the local county health department or the Department's TB Control Division shall be contacted immediately for consultation.

6. An individual with TB infection who remains asymptomatic shall not be required to have a chest radiograph but shall have an annual documented assessment by a physician or other legally authorized health care provider for symptoms suggestive of TB, e.g., cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever, etc.

D. Treatment.

1. Preventive treatment of individuals who are new positive reactors is recommended unless specifically contraindicated.

2. Individuals who complete treatment either for disease or infection are exempt from further treatment unless they develop symptoms of TB.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.