Historical TB skin-test intervals for health workers

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

Mr. Dennis J. Morikawa
Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius Counselors at Law
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Morikawa:

Thank you for your letter of February 22, regarding an interpretation on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) policy for Mantoux skin testing. Your restatement of our phone conversation was correct in your understanding of OSHA's current policy. Workers that are directly exposed to tuberculosis (TB) patients including those involved with high hazard procedures are required to have an initial or baseline Mantoux skin test. For this category of workers, the Mantoux test must be repeated every six months. For all other employees who "share the air" in the same facility or building, an annual Mantoux test would be required. Employees that do not work in the same building where TB patients are treated and who do not "share the air" (in other words they do not have occupational exposure), the mantoux test would not be required. Also, as stated in your letter, if a facility does not have any TB patients and there is no occupational exposure, then no Mantoux tests are required.
If you have any further questions or concerns please contact [the Office of Health Enforcement at 202 693-2100].
Sincerely,
Ruth McCully, Director
[Office of Health Enforcement]
[Corrected 10/22/2004]

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]