TB clearance suspended due to national solution shortage
The Department of Public Health is temporarily suspending its tuberculosis clearance requirements for tuberculin skin tests that are mandated by law.
By KUAM Newsby Mindy Aguon
Guam - As a result of the nationwide shortage of solution used for tuberculin skin tests, the Department of Public Health is temporarily suspending its tuberculosis clearance requirements for tuberculin skin tests that are mandated by law. Manufacturers of Tubersol and Aplisol Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) solution continue to experience production delays, which is negatively impacting Public Health's ability to conduct routine TB screening. The substitute for the PPD is not currently available on Guam.
Testing for TB is normally required for the issuance of health certificates as well as clearance for employment or school, but again those mandates have been suspended temporarily. Public Health advises that it will continue to provide TB screening services but only for high-risk categories.