South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

If a resident has a documented negative TST, how long prior to admission can a single TST or BAMT be administered?

1. Two months

2. Three months

3. One month

4. Six months

The correct answer is: One month

A resident with a documented negative Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or a blood assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (BAMT) should ideally have this test administered no more than one month before admission to a long-term care facility. This time frame helps ensure that the resident has not been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) in the period leading up to their admission, which could potentially affect the health and safety of everyone in the facility. A TST or BAMT conducted within this one-month window provides a reliable indication of the resident's current TB status, allowing for timely identification of any potential health risks. This is crucial for infection control practices and maintaining a safe environment in long-term care settings, where residents may have compromised immune systems. While tests administered further back may still provide information, they may not be as relevant in assessing the resident's current TB status, given the possibility of recent exposure or changes in health. The options that suggest longer time frames, such as two, three, or six months, do not align with the best practices recommended for monitoring TB in long-term care environments.