Tuberculosis Screening Requirement

Requirement in brief:
Beginning fall of 2005, Western Michigan University has required all International Students arriving within the past 5 years from countries where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic to be screened for TB.

Am I required to be screened?
You must fulfill this requirement if you are a citizen or recently arrived from a country with a high rate of TB. It is easier to identify countries of low rather than high TB prevalence. Therefore, students should undergo TB screening if they have arrived from countries EXCEPT those on the following list.

American Region:
Canada Saint Lucia
Jamaica Virgin Islands
Saint Kitts & Nevis

European Region:
Belgium Iceland Monaco United Kingdom
Denmark Ireland Netherlands
Finland Italy Norway
France Liechtenstein San Marino
Germany Luxembourg Sweden
Greece Malta Switzerland

Western Pacific Region:
American Samoa
Australia
New Zealand

Who identified the Countries?
The American College Health Association based on information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control.

Why do I need to be screened for TB?
The purpose of screening for tuberculosis (TB) is to identify individuals with TB disease (active TB) or latent TB infection manifested by a positive tuberculin skin test. Both TB disease and latent infection should be treated.

What if I do not comply with the screening requirement?
If you do not meet this requirement you will receive a HOLD on your university account barring you from registering for classes until this requirement is met.

Where do I go to fulfill this requirement?
You can meet this requirement by providing the following documentation from your medical provider in your home country or you may have your testing done at Sindecuse Health Center once you arrive in the United States:
1. Negative TB skin test with your name, WIN#, reaction size in millimeters, done within a year of stating classes at WMU or
2. Positive skin test with your name, WIN#, reaction size in millimeters and results of a negative chest x-ray read and signed by a radiologist. or
3. Documentation of completed treatment for active or latent TB

The following types of documentation are not acceptable:
4. Tine test
5. QuantiFERON test
6. Chest x-ray only
7. T-spot test

If I have my test done at Sindecuse Health Center, what is the process?
TB testing is done at Sindecuse Health Center on a walk-in basis, Monday 8a.m.-11:30 and 1p.m. -6:00 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday 8a.m.-11:30 and 1p.m. -4:30 p.m., and Friday 9am-11:30 and 1p.m. -4:30 p.m. TB skin testing is not done on Thursdays. No appointment is necessary. A nurse will inject a small amount of fluid called purified protein derivative (PPD) under the top layer of skin on your lower arm. The cost for a TB skin test at Sindecuse is $12.00. The student health insurance through Chickering will pay for one TB skin test per year.

Next, you will need to return to Sindecuse in person 48-72 hours later for the test reaction on your arm to be examined.
8. If the reaction is not significant, or there is no reaction, then you have no TB infection (negative)
9. If the reaction of your arm is significant (positive), a chest x-ray will be required to check for active TB in the lungs.

What if my TB skin test is positive?
A chest x-ray will be required to check for active TB in the lungs.
If the chest x-ray is normal and you have no symptoms of active TB, you have inactive, latent TB.
If you have an abnormal chest x-ray or symptoms of active TB, you may be required to have additional tests.

Are there any side effects with the TB skin test?
The TB skin test will not make you sick. It may cause swelling, itching or tenderness at the injection site, which usually disappears within a week. You can continue normal activities including washing your arm after the test.

What if I am diagnosed with TB infection?
Most people have inactive, latent TB, which cannot be transmitted and does not cause symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is recommended in order to prevent active TB. You can attend school normally.
Active TB can be transmitted and is very serious, possibly causing permanent damage and even death. It is curable with appropriate medicine, and treatment with antibiotics is required. You will not be allowed to attend school until you have a release from your medical provider.

Will TB test results affect my student status?
Having TB will not affect your student status. Students who have TB infection are not discriminated against in any way. Western Michigan University must report cases of active TB (not latent TB) to the Kalamazoo County Health Departments for investigation of possible transmission to others. Otherwise, health records at WMU are confidential and cannot be released without patient consent.

What if I had a BCG vaccine in my country? Do I still need to have TB skin Test?
Many International students received BCG vaccine, which reduced their TB risk as children. However, BCG vaccine effectiveness declines with time. A TB skin test is still indicated for those who have previously received BCG.

Where should I send my information?
Sindecuse Health Center
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5445
Attention: Director of Nursing

Questions?
Call 269 387-3295


 

Sindecuse Health Center
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 5445 USA
(269) 387-3287 | (269) 387-3204 Fax
shc-webmail@wmich.edu