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Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

International students in Tennessee are required to undergo a mandatory Tuberculosis (TB) Test before attending the classes. This measure is in place due to several reasons:

  1. Risk of TB Transmission: International students come from diverse backgrounds and may have lived in regions with varying TB prevalence. Close contact in crowded campus environments can increase the risk of TB transmission.

  2. Epidemiological Factors: Students arriving from countries with higher TB incidence are more likely to have latent TB infection (LTBI) and an increased risk of developing active TB disease. Therefore, TB testing is essential.

  3. Public Health Concerns: Ensuring the health of both students and the entire university community is a top priority. By screening and testing international students, UofM aim to prevent TB outbreaks and protect everyone on campus.

PPD/TB Skin Test Policy - Students with a PPD/TB Registration Hold

  • All students who have a PPD/TB skin test hold will have the test applied, even if the student is pregnant or had the BCG immunization.
    • Those with a positive PPD/TB skin test in the past, must bring documentation showing past positives.
  • Students are required to return in 48 hours for reading of the test.
  • Students with a Negative PPD/TB skin test are given a copy of their results and the registration hold will be released.
  • Students with a Positive PPD/TB skin test are required to have a Chest X-Ray.
    • Once the Chest X-Ray has been completed and the physician has reviewed the Chest X-Ray, the registration hold will be cleared. This process may take 24 to 48 hours.
    • Students are to return to the clinic in two weeks to receive a copy of the radiologist's report.
    • Students who are pregnant and have a positive PPD/TB skin test, will be referred to the SCHD (Shelby County Health Department) for further treatment or testing.

Note: ISS is Not Responsible for TB Test hold on your account, please contact Student Health Center if you have any questions.

Where to Get Tested?

International Student Services will usually have a third-party diagnostics organization to do TB Tests for new F1 students at the International Center during the F-1 Orientation. TB Testing at the international center is usually done for Fall and Spring semesters only. Students can also get a TB Test done at the university's Student Health Center by scheduling an appointment with them. Appointments are scheduled in your MyPatient Portal.

Students from the countries listed below are NOT required to have the PPD/TB Skin test because Tuberculosis is not endemic in these countries.

AMERICAN REGION: USA, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Virgin Islands,

EUROPEAN: Albania, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

WESTERN PACIFIC: American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand

MIDDLE EAST:   Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates