AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2007 BH "Dear Provider" Letters
June 11, 2007
ADSA: BH #2007-007
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines for TB Testing
Dear Boarding Home Provider:
For a number of years the accepted method of testing/screening for tuberculosis (TB) has been by a two step Mantoux method. In December 2005 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published guidelines that allow for another type of test to be done and the Department of Health views this test as an acceptable alternate to Mantoux testing.
The new test is called the TB Gold Test and is a one step blood assay test. Currently the test being done is called QuantiFERON (a brand name). This test is more costly than the Mantoux method and the cost is not covered by medical assistance.
There are three (3) laboratories in the state that are screening sites for the TB Gold Test. The sites and contacts for questions regarding the test follow:
- Spokane Regional Health District lab. Contact: Karen Crouse, Spokane Regional Health District Lab Director, (509) 324-1450
- Providence St. Peter Hospital Clinical lab. Contact: Kathy D'Acci, Chemistry Lab Supervisor, (360) 493-5181
- Tri Cities Laboratory, Kennewick. Contact: Mike Gaulke, Technical Manager, (509) 736-0105
Residential Care Services (RCS) will amend the current Washington Administrative Code at some time to reflect this change. In the interim, we have instructed staff to immediately begin accepting TB Gold Test results as an alternate method of tuberculosis screening. NOTE: The TB Gold Test is not an acceptable alternative to the chest x-ray required after a positive result from testing/screening.
Please contact the persons listed above if you have any questions about the TB Gold Test. Thank you for your continued involvement in the lives of vulnerable residents in Washington.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
