Health Professional Students
The Preventive Medicine Program works with several health professional schools in the completion and documentation of immunization and testing requirements for students in the health care setting. The testing requirements are determined by each school, based on the needs of the training program. We provide consultation on new recommendations, assist in reviewing the information sent in, and provide all the required immunizations and tests here within the Health Center.
Tuberculosis (TB) screening - For health professional students requiring testing for tuberculosis on an annual basis who have previously tested positive, please download the Annual Tuberculosis Evaluation form, complete, sign, and return to Preventive Medicine by mail, fax, or drop off at our facility.
2-step TB skin tests - Many persons being tested with the Tuberculosis (TB) skin test, or PPD, for the first time in many years are required to complete 2-step testing. A 2-step PPD involves getting two tests done in rapid succession, usually about a week apart. Why do we do this? Because the body's response to a PPD test can diminish over time, sometimes a single test will be falsely negative in persons exposed to TB in the past. The second test will give a more accurate result, based on a "boosting" of the body's response. 2-step PPD testing is required in many clinical settings, such as hospitals and skilled care facilities, so many of our health professional students fall under this requirement.
Blood and body fluid exposures - Students with blood or body fluid exposures that put them at risk for blood borne pathogens can be assessed and treated at Student Health Services. The critical first step is to report your injury to the appropriate supervisor in your area, so that testing (HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C) can be initiated on the source patient. The source patient results are managed at the facility where you are assigned, and they will notify you of the results. Source HIV testing should be done on a rapid basis, so that you are informed on that result within a few hours. Hepatitis testing usually takes a few days. SHS usually does not have direct access to those results, so it is important for you to know how those results will be communicated to you.
Exposed students who wish to be seen should contact Student Health Services as soon as possible after the injury (614-292-4321). If Student Health is not available, then we would recommend using urgent care or emergency facilities in the community. If your source patient is positive for HIV, you should seek care immediately, so that an HIV post-exposure prophylaxis assessment can be performed. If medications are indicated for your exposure, it is preferred to start them as soon as feasible. HIV-PEP drugs are available at SHS. We can also confirm your Hepatitis B immunity and provide other recommendations for follow-up testing.
There are fees for testing related to blood and body fluid exposures at SHS. These fees may or may not be covered by your health insurance plan. We can work with you on payment options if you cannot make payment at the time of service. All testing and follow-up is voluntary, and we will explain which tests or treatments are recommended for your particular exposure, prior to you incurring the expense.