Important Information for Incoming International Students Beginning Fall 2009
Tuberculosis Screening of Students (PDF Version)
In the interest of good health and well-being for all people, The University of Toledo has adopted a mandatory Tuberculosis screening of students.
Tuberculosis is a common and often deadly infectious disease, caused primarily by the microorganism, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is spread through the air, when people who have the disease cough, sneeze, or spit. One–third of the world's current population has been infected with M. tuberculosis, and new infections occur at a rate of one per second. Although most of these cases are latent (inactive) infections, it is estimated that about one in ten persons with latent TB infection will eventually progress to active disease, which, if left untreated, kills more than half of its victims.
Students from countries of high TB prevalence will be tested at the Student Health Centers on both campuses beginning Monday, July 20. At the Main Campus Medical Center the testing will be by appointments Monday through Thursday from 8:15 am -4:30 pm. Students should call 419-530-3455 for an appointment.
At the Health Science Medical Center testing will be done as walk-in first come first serve Monday through Thursday 8:15 am -4:15 pm.
At the visit the student will be screened for symptoms. If the student does not have symptoms:
1. The student will have blood drawn for the Quantiferon test only.
2. If the testing is negative for TB the student’s registration hold will be removed.
3. If the blood test is positive, a chest x-ray will be ordered.
4. If the chest x-ray is normal, the student will be considered to have latent TB infection and treatment will be required. Following commencement of appropriate treatment, the student will be released to attend class and live in residence hall.
5. If the chest x-ray is abnormal, the student will be referred to a pulmonary specialist. Following appropriate treatment, the student will be released to attend class and live in residence hall.
If at the initial visit the student does have symptoms:
1. Quantiferon blood testing and a chest x-ray will be required.
2. If both tests are normal, the student will be released but required to follow up with M.D.
3. If blood testing is negative, but the chest x-ray is abnormal the student will be released but required to follow up with a pulmonary specialist.
4. If the blood testing is positive the student will be referred to a pulmonary specialist for treatment regardless of the results of the chest x-ray, and released following appropriate treatment.
The cost of the Quantiferon blood test is $44.00 and will be applied to the students UT bill.
If you have further questions, the medical staff will be happy to answer them at your screening visit.