Tuberculosis (Mantoux) Testing Requirement

To this day, Tuberculosis remains a public health concern in the school system in New York City. To prevent tuberculosis in schools, all first time entrants into New York City secondary schools must present documentation of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test or approved blood-based TB test done within the year.  In addition, each student with a positive skin test result is required to have a follow-up chest x-ray and should be referred for evaluation and treatment.

Students who fail to comply within the mandated fourteen (14) day initial Mantoux Test time frame are to be excluded from school.  If, however, the student’s Mantoux test results are positive, they have an additional fourteen (14) days to obtain a chest x-ray.  Exceptions to testing are limited to:

(1) medical contraindication or

(2) a religious objection.

Tuberculin testing is not required for elementary school students, returning students or students who were previously in the New York City school system (i.e., all who attended elementary school here).

Expert evaluation and treatment is free and confidential at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Bureau of Tuberculosis Control Chest Centers.  You may also dial 311 for further information.

Listing of Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Bureau of Tuberculosis Control Chest Centers in New York