Click on the link to download the form in PDF file. Please mail your application to our office: Priscilla Ornelas
Director of Volunteer Services
525 N. Garfield Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91754
GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS IN HEALTH CARE SETTING
Each volunteer applicant need to have cleared TB (Tuberculosis Test) and/or chest x-ray prior to acceptance as a volunteer. Below is some Q&A for your information. If you should have further questions, please contact the Volunteer Services Office at (626) 312-2248. What is boosting? Boosting is a phenomenon in which a person has a negative TST (TB Skin Test).The positive result is caused by a boosted immune response of previous sensitivity rather than by a new infection (false positive TST conversion). Two-step testing reduces the likelihood of mistaking a boosted reaction for an infection. What does PPD stand for? The PPD (purified protein derivative) is an antigen (a substance that stimulates the immune system to eliminate or fight foreign substances in the body), which is injected under the skin in the forearem. After 48 to 72 hours the injection site is evaluated by a physician or nurse. This skin test helps determine if a person has ever been infected by the microorganism that causes tuberculosis. What procedure should be followed for a HCW (Health Care Worker or volunteer) who had a documented negative TST result 3 months ago at their previous job? This person should receive one baseline TST upon hire (identify before the HCW begins assigned duties). The negative TST result from the 3 months preceding new employment (or a documented negative TST result anytime within the previous 12 months) should be considered the first step of the baseline two-step TST. If the HCW does not have documentation of any TST result, the HCW should be tested with baseline two-step TST (one TST upon hire and one TST placed 1 week after the first TST result was read). If a person does not return for a TST reading within 48-72 hours, when can a TST be placed again? A TST can be administered again as soon as possible. If the second step of a two-step TST is not within 48-72 hours, administer a third test as soon as possible (even if multiple months have elapsed), and ensure that the result is read within 48-72 hours. Should a TST reading of ≥10 mm be accepted 7 days after the TST was placed? If the TST was not between 48-72 hours, another TST should be placed as soon as possible and read within 48-72 hours. However, certain studies indicate that positive TST reactions might still be measurable 4-7 days after the TST was placed. If the TST reaction is read as ≥15 mm 7 days after placement, the millimeter result can recorded and considered to be a positive result. Does having more than one TST placed in 1 year pose any risk? No risk exists for having TSTs placed multiple times per year. What defines a negative TST result? A TST result of 0 mm or a measurement below the defined cut point for each criteria category is considered a negative TST result. What defines a positive TST result? A TST result of any millimeter reading above or at the defined cut point for each criteria category is considered a positive TST result. The cut point (5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm) varies in according to the purpose of the test (e.g., infection control surveillance or medical and diagnostic evaluation, or contact investigation versus baseline testing). Are periodic chest radiographs (x-ray) recommended for HCWs who have positive TST results? No, persons with positive TST results should receive one baseline chest radiograph to exclude a diagnosis of TB disease. Further chest radiographs are not needed unless the patient has symptoms or signs of TB disease or unless ordered by a physician for a specific diagnostic examination. Most Recent Update by CDC: 12/31/05
Refer to: http://www.cdc.gov/
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