The Hawaii State Department of Health will resume providing tuberculosis skin testing in all DOH TB clinics statewide on Monday, according to statement release Wednesday. Availability of TB test solution is returning to normal throughout Hawaii and the DOH encourages medical providers, clinics and health care settings to resume providing the tuberculin skin test to their clients.
A national shortage of purified protein derivative prompted the state to issue a 120-day temporary suspension of TB clearance requirements that are mandated in Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 164, for school personnel, students, food handlers, and workers in health care, domiciliary care, daycare, and residential care facilities. The temporary suspension of requirements for TB clearance expires on Aug. 9 and state requirements for TB clearance will resume at that time. Students enrolling in post-secondary school for the first-time in Hawaii may receive additional guidance directly from their university or college.
“We anticipate that there will be a high demand for testing, especially with the new school year approaching. To meet this demand as smoothly as possible, and in collaboration with our public health nurses, we have expanded the hours and staffing at DOH testing locations statewide,” said Dr. Elizabeth MacNeill, Acting TB Control Branch Chief. “Fortunately, the DOH tuberculosis program has moved back to our permanent and familiar location in Kalihi at 1700 Lanakila Avenue.”
A full listing of DOH TB testing locations and hours as well as TB clearance requirements can be found on the DOH TB Control Branch website at www.hawaii.gov/health/tb. For more information on tuberculosis or TB testing, call the Hawaii TB Control Branch at (808) 832-5731 or visit www.hawaii.gov/health/tb.
Big Island locations:
— Hilo State Building, 75 Apuni St., Tuesday, July 16, 12:30-2:30 p.m., 974-6025
— Naalehu Health Center, 94-5669 Mamalahoa Highway in Naalehu, by appointment only, 939-2400
— Kona Health Center, 79-1015 Haukapila St. in Kealakekua, Monday 1-4 p.m., 322-1500
— Waimea Health Center, 67-5189 Kamamalu St. in Waimea, by appointment only, 887-8116.
