The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have announced an anticipated 3-10 month shortage of the two purified-protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin antigens licensed for use in performing tuberculin skin tests. At BarnesCare, this nationwide shortage may impact our clinic supply.

“We have been in contact with our distributors and manufacturers who are attempting to secure supplies, but the anticipated antigen shortage will likely impact our ability to regularly administer the PPD tuberculosis (TB) skin test for our clients,” says Jane Myers, BarnesCare business manager.

If and when the shortage impacts BarnesCare’s ability to administer PPD TB tests, clients may request the “T-SPOT.TB test,” which is a single-visit blood test. Unlike the PPD TB test, the T-SPOT.TB test does not rely on the tuberculin antigen supply. The T-SPOT.TB test delivers accurate and reliable results and is available at all BarnesCare clinic locations. Results are available within 48-72 hours of blood specimen collection.

For more information about tuberculosis tests, contact BarnesCare.