State to Resume Tuberculosis Testing Monday

The state Department of Health will resume tuberculosis skin testing at most DOH clinics statewide on Monday.

A national shortage of the solution used in the test had prompted the state to suspend until Aug. 9 the tuberculosis clearance required for school personnel, students and food handlers as well as workers in health care, domiciliary care, daycare and residential care facilities.

Health officials said the testing can now resume as an adequate supply of the testing solution has been acquired.

Testing on the Big Island will begin Monday, July 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kona Health Center at 79-1015 Haukapila St. in Kealakekua. Call 322-1500 for information.

In Hilo, testing will be done beginning 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at the Hilo State Building at 75 Aupuni St. Call 974-6025 for information.

Testing will be done by appointment only at the Naalehu Health Center at 94-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy. (call 939-2400 for appointments) and at the Waimea Health Center at 67-5189 Kamamalu St. (call 887-8116).

No testing will be done at the Kohala Civic Center until further notice.

“We anticipate that there will be a high demand for testing, especially with the new school year approaching,” said Dr. Elizabeth MacNeill, Acting TB Control Branch Chief. “To meet this demand as smoothly as possible, and in collaboration with our public health nurses, we have expanded the hours and staffing at DOH testing locations statewide.”

Visit here for TB clearance requirements and a full schedule of testing statewide.