TB SKIN TEST REQUIREMENTS
| GENERAL QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
| Who Needs A Skin Test? |
Students who have never attended a California school must present written evidence of a Mantoux (PPD) skin test. Multiple puncture tests are not acceptable.
- All kindergarten students. Tests must be given within 1 year prior to school entry. This does not affect preschool or day care as these setting have their own TB skin testing requirements.
- All other students in grades 1-12 who have never attended any school in California
Please Note:
- This test could have been performed at any previous time.
- If the student previously attended any California school (public, private, or parochial), the student is exempt from this requirement.
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| What Does A Student Bring To School?* |
A written form from the doctor or health facility with the following information:
- Type of test. Mantoux (PPD) only. Multiple punctures are not acceptable.
- Date of test administration (Date of test reading is optional, but not necessary).
- Skin Test Results.
- Skin test reading must be done by a health provider.
- Negative is acceptable if reading is less than 10 mm.
- If skin test result is 10 mm or more of induration (positive), written indication of x-ray date and/or statement that the child is free of communicable TB is required.
- Signature of doctor or designee.
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*California State Immunization Record contains all of the above information.
Please Note:
- A chest x-ray instead of a skin test is not acceptable unless the doctor medically waives the skin test.
- Students with a history of BCG must have a skin test unless the doctor certifies in writing that the child is free of communicable TB.
- A child age 12 or older may sign consent for TB skin test or x-ray.
- The Mantoux test should be given prior to, or simultaneously with, any live vaccine (e.g., measles). If a live vaccine has already been given, the Mantoux should be deferred for 1 month as this may cause a false negative result. The child should be admitted to school conditionally for that month.
- A child with a positive skin test can be admitted to school conditionally for up to 20 school days while awaiting chest x-ray clearance.
For questions call TB Control Program at (213) 744-6285
