TB Test National Shortage

[Alwaysgreener]

I tried going to my doctor for my tb test. I was told that there is a national shortage, that no one has the test available. I having a current tb test a requirement or just a suggestion?

[originalkat]

Yes, there is a national shortage. Try your local health department. They should have a blood test available since the skin test is not. The Blood test takes several weeks to process rather than a couple days for the skin test and is more expensive (I think around $80.00).

[snbauser]

Thank you for posting this. I may be moving over the summer and it would require me going through the licensing process again and my tb test would be expired. Now I know to go and get it done something in the next couple of months so it will be current when I do the application.

[Alwaysgreener]

Could insurance cover if I go to the health department?

[craftymissbeth]

It's required here in my state (Kansas), but last May during my initial inspection my licensor mentioned the shortage and that if I hadn't had it in time she would have granted me some extra time to get it done. If you're worried about licensing I'd just give them a call and see if they'll give you any extra time to get it taken care of. First, I'd call around to local doctors and health departments and see if anyone has any at all.

[jenboo]

Interesting. I went to a local clinic/lab last night and had a regular under the skin TB test done. Not a single mention of a shortage.
It was $25.

[spinnymarie]

My Dr just sent us to the hospital lab for the blood test for the TB instead - insurance covered, it was no big deal aside from taking longer.

[Laurel]

Wow, our licensing is stricter than most places and they stopped requiring it at least 10 years ago. Now I am wondering why.

[Annalee]

I tried going to my doctor for my tb test. I was told that there is a national shortage, that no one has the test available. I having a current tb test a requirement or just a suggestion?

I only had to have a TB test once for licensing but every three years for Accreditation.

[Brooksie]

In MD it is no longer required. I would check with licensing.

[Starburst]

I tried going to my doctor for my tb test. I was told that there is a national shortage, that no one has the test available. I[s] having a current tb test a requirement or just a suggestion?

It depends on where you live. I am currently in CA and to even do my student teaching I needed to have a TB test (required for all teachers or people working with children or in health care; got it done for free at my college health clinic). But we are thinking on moving to Oregon and I looked at the state requirements and a TB test is not mentioned as a requirement for daycare providers.

[melilley]

Yes, it is a requirement in MI. For you and anyone 18 and older living in your home (if you are a fcc).

[coolconfidentme]

I got dinged for this in a surprise inspection. I was on a waiting list & ended up going outta of my city to have mine done.

[Alwaysgreener]

Yes, it is a requirement in MI. For you and anyone 18 and older living in your home (if you are a fcc).

I am applying for daycare but have been doing foster care for 3+ years and I have never been required to have one. I have however had to have one as a teen to intern at a preschool and work at a camp. So I been wondering if it was still required. Thanks

[ihop]

It depends on where you live. I am currently in CA and to even do my student teaching I needed to have a TB test (required for all teachers or people working with children or in health care; got it done for free at my college health clinic). But we are thinking on moving to Oregon and I looked at the state requirements and a TB test is not mentioned as a requirement for daycare providers.

I am on Oregon. I didn't need one. Honestly licensing is pretty relaxed here.

Just curious, what part of Oregon?