All new students at Binghamton University must complete a screen for tuberculosis disease. This screen is part of the Medical/Health History/Tuberculosis questionnaire, which is completed and submitted online through the patient portal. Upon reviewing your answers to the screening questions a nurse will send you a message through the patient portal if you need further testing for tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis testing
If you require further testing, it should be completed prior to your arrival at Binghamton University. Your options for testing depend upon whether you are an international or domestic student.
International students
International students who require tuberculosis testing must send us proof of an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test done within the 12 months prior to enrollment. Other names for this test are a “Quantiferon TB Gold” test or a "T-Spot" test. You may have this test performed at any medical laboratory in the world, but the actual laboratory report must be submitted to the Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC). The report must be in English, or be translated into English, and must have the student’s name and date of birth on each page.
Summary of requirements for international students:
- The test results must be received by the DSHSC prior to you arriving at Binghamton University.
- The test must be an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test.
- If you have an MMR vaccine, the test must be done on the same day as the MMR or no earlier than 28 days after the vaccine.
- What you send must be a copy of the actual laboratory report, which is in English or has been translated into English.
- The test must have been performed within the 12 months prior to enrollment.
Domestic students
Domestic students who require tuberculosis testing may choose to send us proof of having had a Tuberculin Skin Test (also called a TST or a PPD) or an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test. If you have a PPD test performed, it must be done within the United States or Canada, and you must submit documentation from the medical provider who performed the test which indicates the date the test was read, the size of the skin reaction, and their interpretation of the result.
You may also choose to have an IGRA test. Brand names for IGRA tests include “Quantiferon TB Gold” test or "T- spot" test. Please send us a copy of the actual laboratory report. You may have an IGRA test performed at any medical laboratory in the world.
Summary of requirements for domestic students:
- The test results must be received by the DSHSC prior to you arriving at Binghamton University.
- The test may be an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test or a Tuberculin Skin Test.
- For a Tuberculin Skin Test, send us documentation from the medical provider who performed the test which indicates the date the test was read, the size of the skin reaction, and their interpretation of the result.
- For an IGRA test, send us a copy of the actual laboratory report.
- The test must have been performed within the 12 months prior to enrollment.
Positive test results:
If your tuberculosis test result is positive, you must be screened for symptoms of tuberculosis and also have a chest x-ray performed within the 12 months prior to enrollment. This is done to ensure you cannot spread the tuberculosis germs to other people. Both of these items should be completed prior to arrival at Binghamton University.
Consequences of non-compliance
Failure to complete indicated tuberculosis screening, testing, or follow up of positive results will result in the inability to register for classes beginning the semester after enrollment.
