S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-97.1700.1703

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-97.1700.1703 - Tuberculosis Risk Assessment and Screening. (I)

A. Tuberculosis Testing. The Facility may utilize either Tuberculin skin testing or Blood Assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis ("BAMT") for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection:

1. Tuberculin skin testing ("TST"). A small dose (0.1 mil) of purified protein derivative ("PPD") tuberculin is injected just beneath the surface of the skin (by the intradermal Mantoux method), and the area is examined for induration (hard, dense, raised area at the site of the TST administration) forty-eight to seventy-two (48 to 72) hours after the injection (but positive reactions can still be measurable up to a week after administering the TST). The size of the indurated area is measured with a millimeter ruler and the reading is recorded in millimeters, including zero (0) mm to represent no induration. Redness and/or erythema is insignificant and is not measured or recorded. Authorized Healthcare Providers are permitted to perform tuberculin skin testing and symptom screening.

2. Blood Assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis ("BAMT"). A general term to refer to in vitro diagnostic tests that assess for the presence of tuberculosis ("TB") infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This term includes, but is not limited to, IFN-y; release assays ("IGRA").

B. The Facility shall conduct an Annual tuberculosis risk assessment in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control guidelines to guide the Facility's infection control policies and procedures related to the appropriateness and frequency of tuberculosis screening and other tuberculosis related measures to be taken.

C. Baseline Status.

1. The Facility shall determine the baseline status of all staff according to the Centers for Disease Control and the Department's most current tuberculosis guidelines.

2. Tuberculosis Screening. All staff within three (3) months prior to Patient contact shall have a baseline two-step Tuberculin Skin Test ("TST") or a single Blood Assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis ("BAMT"). If a newly employed staff or volunteer has had a documented negative TST or a BAMT result within the previous twelve (12) months, a single TST (or the single BAMT) can be administered and read to serve as the baseline prior to Patient contact.

D. Post Exposure. After known exposure to a person with potentially infectious tuberculosis disease without use of adequate personal protection, the tuberculosis status of all staff shall be determined in a manner prescribed in the Centers for Disease Control and Department's most current tuberculosis guidelines.

E. Annual Tuberculosis Training. All Direct Care staff shall receive Annual training regarding tuberculosis to include risk factors and signs and symptoms of tuberculosis disease. The Annual tuberculosis training shall be documented in a staff record and maintained at the Facility.

F. Serial Screening. The Facility shall follow the Centers for Disease Control and Department's most current tuberculosis guidelines related to serial screening.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-97.1700.1703

Added by State Register Volume 44, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2020.