Beginning Jan. 1, the Pima County Health Department TB Clinic will no longer be providing on-demand tuberculosis (TB) skin testing for clients who do not have a referral issued by a healthcare provider. In alignment with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the program’s priorities for skin testing will focus on high-risk populations who are most likely to develop active TB.
“By focusing on those populations at greatest risk, we are ensuring that our time and resources are being used in the most efficient and effective manner possible,” said Linda Everett, TB clinic nurse supervisor. “By eliminating this nonessential component of the TB program, we can focus on state-mandated responsibilities and continue to serve as the subject matter expert for community providers.”
The TB Clinic, 3950 S. Country Club Blvd., will continue seeing clients referred by a healthcare provider for treatment of active and latent tuberculosis. Alternative resources for skin testing are available in the community, including at urgent care centers, many pharmacy locations, occupational health clinics and private health care providers.
“We are confident that there are plenty of other convenient locations that can provide skin testing for our community,” Everett said.
If you have questions, please contact the Pima County TB clinic at 520-243-8450.
FACTS ABOUT TB
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Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacterium is spread through the air from one person to another. TB bacteria become airborne when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
- TB bacteria can live in the body without making a person sick. This is called latent TB infection. The body is able to fight TB bacteria and stop the bacterium from growing in most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected. People with latent TB infection do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms. TB bacteria become active if the immune system cannot stop the bacterium growth. When TB bacteria are active (multiplying in the body), this is called TB disease. People with TB disease will feel sick and may also be able to spread the bacteria to people they spend time with every day.