Tuberculosis Clearance

Notice to Prospective University of Hawaiʻi Employees

The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health rules and regulations and the University of Hawaiʻi Administrative Procedure A9.520 require an individual having regular contact with students or food handling duties to furnish a tuberculosis clearance before starting employment.

Individuals that are being hired for an appointment that is more than 15 days must provide a TB clearance issued within 12 months before start date. Individuals will be asked to complete a TB risk assessment questionnaire. Based on the responses to the questions and other observations, a physician may determine the individual does not have any risks or symptoms and issue a TB clearance without a skin test.

Type of Examinations Required

If required, the examination for tuberculosis shall include a tuberculin skin test and if the skin shows a positive reaction, a chest x-ray. A negative tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray shall be accepted as evidence of freedom from tuberculosis.

Individuals may request a blood test from their healthcare provider in lieu of a skin test.

Where to Obtain Examination

(1) A prospective appointee may obtain tuberculosis clearance through his/her private physician in the State of Hawaiʻi, through the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's Student Health Service, or through the State Department of Health. The skin tests are done for a nominal fee at the Student Health Service, Campus Center Building, Room 212 on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or you may call for an appointment. Skin tests are also available free of charge at the Waiakea Health Center on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or you may call for an appointment. Screenings are also available free of charge at Department of Health on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with reading done on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

(2) A prospective appointee coming from a foreign country must submit a chest x-ray confirming non-existence of tuberculosis from a qualified physician at least six weeks prior to his/her employment date.

Where to submit TB Clearance documentation

The TB Clearance Certificate or Clearance Form must be submitted to the Human Resources Dept. prior to your first day of employment.