Tuberculosis Screening and Testing Policy

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines regarding tuberculosis (TB) screening in post-secondary school settings include the following points:

• The MDH recommends post-secondary schools target tuberculosis screening and testing to international students originating from countries where TB is common and students involved in extensive international travel to such areas.
• School-based TB screening programs should be implemented with plans for providing necessary clinical follow-up and treatment options for students identified with latent TB infection (LTBI) or active TB disease.

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) requires that the above student categories be screened/tested for tuberculosis. Previous TB testing results will not be accepted from countries other than the United States. This required screening and testing will be completed according to the MDH, American College Health Association (ACHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The results of the screening/testing process will not affect the student's ability to attend the university; however, international students who do not comply with this process will not be allowed to register for classes in any subsequent semesters.

SMSU Health Service will provide TB screening and testing at the beginning of each semester for newly enrolled international students.  Students will be notified of the dates via University email accounts.

As part of this process, the following documentation is required:

• Prior tuberculin skin test (TST) or Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) results
• Date of diagnosis of tuberculosis infection or disease
• Details of any treatment received
• Recent immunization dates