South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

What is the tuberculosis status requirement for direct care staff prior to hire or initial resident contact?

1. Single Blood Assay

2. Annual TB testing

3. Two-step Tuberculin Skin Test

4. No testing required

The correct answer is: Two-step Tuberculin Skin Test

The requirement for a Two-step Tuberculin Skin Test for direct care staff is based on the need to accurately identify individuals who may be infected with tuberculosis (TB) while allowing for potential variations in immune response. The two-step testing method is particularly effective for identifying infections that may not show up in a single test, especially in individuals who have previously received a BCG vaccine or have had previous exposure to TB. This approach involves administering the first tuberculin skin test, and if the result is negative, a second test is performed one to three weeks later. If either test result is positive, it may indicate that the individual has been exposed to TB and further evaluation is required. This two-step process is recommended to ensure that healthcare workers are thoroughly screened for TB prior to their initial contact with residents, thereby minimizing the risk of transmission within healthcare facilities and ensuring a safe environment for vulnerable populations. Annual testing or alternatives like single blood assays do not provide the comprehensive assessment that a two-step test offers, making the latter the correct requirement for initial hiring and contact with residents.