Information for International Students about Tuberculosis Testing

• Testing will be done during orientation which is usually the week prior to the start of classes. 
• The preferred test is a blood test called an interferon-gamma release assay. The test used at Ball State is called the Quantiferon and is not affected by the Tuberculosis vaccination, or BCG. 
• The cost of the test is $70.  Students can pay with a credit/debit card or they can have the charge billed to their Student Financial Services E-bill account when they come to have their blood drawn for the test at the Health Center.

Students who have had a TB Test already performed in the United States will be asked for documentation.  The documentation must meet the following requirements:

• It must be dated after the student’s last visit to a country outside of the United States and within a year from the date of admission.
• If the student has not traveled, the test must be within a year from the date of admission.
• A TB skin test must document the millimeters of induration and an interpretation of positive or negative.  Moreover, it must include both the time and date administered and read.  Finally, it must be signed by a healthcare provider and it must include contact information for the health care facility where it was administered.
• An interferon-gamma release assay, such as a T-spot or Quantiferon, must include an interpretation of positive or negative.  It must be signed by a health care provider and it must include contact information for the health care facility where it was administered.

• If a student’s test is borderline, then the student will be required to return to the Health Center immediately for a screening questionnaire.  The student will also be required to repeat the test.
• If a student’s test is positive, the student will be required to return to the Health Center immediately for a screening questionnaire.  The student will also be required to obtain a chest x-ray.  Next, the student will meet with the director of the Health Center or designee to discuss the TB test and x-ray results.
• If a student is found to have active Tuberculosis, the student will not be allowed to attend classes until it is determined that they are no longer infectious.

Personnel from the Health Center will make a reasonable effort to contact students who have had abnormal TB testing via phone or BSU email.  If a student does not respond, then the Health Center will contact a representative from the International program or the assigned advisor to notify the student that he/she needs to return to the Health Center immediately.

If the student still does not return, then a hold will be placed on their student account.