Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention Program

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease that spreads from person to person through the air.
TB usually affects the lungs and is spread through coughing, sneezing, laughing or singing. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys or the spine.

Also see Get the Facts on Tuberculosis. for more information.

(Centers for Disease Control “Tuberculosis-Get the Facts” http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factseries/skintest_eng.pdf )

Student Health Services (SHS) is required by State of Kansas law (K.S.A. 65-129e and K.S.A. 65-129f) to screen all new and reactivated students attending Wichita State University.

TB screening identifies individuals who may be at increased risk of tuberculosis infection and may need further follow up or testing.

• A link will be sent to your myWSU e-mail account.  Please check your e-mail and click on the link and fill out the information as indicated.  Once you have completed this step, if any additional information is needed, Student Health will contact you via your myWSU e-mail account.
• The online screening must be completed regardless of any previous documentation submitted to SHS.
• A current phone number will be required for contact if follow up is needed.
• Failure to complete this screening will result in a “Hold” being placed on your myWSU account and could prevent you from enrolling until screening is complete.
• Students requiring follow up will be contacted by Student Health Services. Follow up may include a visit with a SHS nurse, a TB skin test or blood test called Interferon Gamma Release Assay (QFT). The student is responsible for the cost of any follow up or testing if needed (see Prices and Information below).
• Contact SHS at (316) 978-3620 for more information.

Students born outside of the U.S. or Canada:

TB screening is required for all newly admitted students who were not born in the U.S. or Canada. Before enrolling in any classes, all new foreign born students are required to have TB screening. After arrival on campus new foreign born students must:

• Complete the TB Screening form included in WSU information packet.
• Come to SHS to talk with a nurse who will review your TB screening form.
• Testing may be required to determine your TB status. Testing is done through a blood test called Interferon Gamma Release Assay (QFT). The student is responsible for the cost of any follow up or testing (see Prices and Information below).
• If you do not complete the TB requirement, you will be administratively withdrawn from your classes. This could also affect your Visa status.

Prices and Information on TB testing options at SHS: (all costs current as of 02/12 and subject to change)
Interferon Gamma Release Assay (QFT) blood test is currently $75.00 which is refundable if you have UHCSR Student Insurance.

• If the QFT test is positive, a chest x-ray is required to rule out active tuberculosis disease.  The cost of the x-ray is $45.00 and is refundable if you have UHCSR Student Insurance.

TB Skin Test: is currently $17.00 (includes office visit fee.) A Mantoux TB skin test can be administered any day but Thursday during triage hours .  You must return to Student Health Services within 48-72 hours after receiving your test for the test to be read.  There may be times (before holidays, etc.), when Student Health cannot administer this test.

Most options for TB testing can be done during our Triage times .  During lunch hour (12 p.m.  to 1 p.m. daily) there is limited staff available so services may be limited and there may be longer wait times. If possible, it’s best to avoid this time. Contact Student Health Services at (316) 978-3620 for more information.