Supply Shortage Brings Halt to Testing for TB

Due to a manufacturer’s shortage of Tubersol, the Lincoln County Health Department announced on February 11 that it will not be able to offer routine tuberculin skin testing until further notice.

In a press release, the North Carolina Tuberculosis Program recommended that all local health departments prioritize the testing to include only those persons who are considered the highest public health risk according to state guidelines. The program also advises health departments to defer routine testing until the shortage is resolved, which officials expect could be several months.

For those health departments that cannot defer testing, the Lincoln County Health Department will provide an alternative blood test. This test is significantly more expensive than skin testing, but is appropriate for screening purposes. For availability, pricing, and clinic times, call (704) 735–3001.

The health department will notify the public when skin testing can resume.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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