TB Test Credential Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is NOT typically a component of a TB test administrator's credential requirements?
- Completion of a cardiology fellowship (Correct answer)
- Demonstrated intradermal injection technique
- Knowledge of TST reading and interpretation
- Familiarity with infection control protocols
Correct answer: Completion of a cardiology fellowship
Cardiology training is unrelated to TB testing; the other options are standard components of TB administrator competency.
Question 2: When a state's nurse practice act is silent on TB test administration by MAs, who sets the governing standard?
- The employing facility or supervising physician (Correct answer)
- The US Department of Labor
- The American Medical Association exclusively
- No standard applies and anyone may administer the test
Correct answer: The employing facility or supervising physician
When state law is silent, facility policy under physician supervision establishes the delegation standard for medical assistants.
Question 3: A school nurse administering TB tests as part of a public health screening must meet credentials set by which entity?
- The state department of education and/or state board of nursing (Correct answer)
- The US Department of Defense
- The Joint Commission exclusively
- The FDA Center for Biologics
Correct answer: The state department of education and/or state board of nursing
School health programs fall under state education and nursing board authority, which set applicable credential requirements.
Question 4: What does 'documented competency' for TB testing typically include?
- A skills checklist signed by a qualified supervisor after observation (Correct answer)
- A self-assessment quiz taken online without proctoring
- Attendance at a general nursing conference
- Any certificate obtained more than 5 years ago
Correct answer: A skills checklist signed by a qualified supervisor after observation
Documented competency requires an observed skills checklist countersigned by a qualified supervisor to confirm proficiency.
Question 5: A phlebotomist asks if their credential allows them to administer TST. What is the correct answer?
- Phlebotomy credentials alone do not authorize TST administration; additional training and delegation are required (Correct answer)
- Phlebotomy credentials fully authorize all skin testing procedures nationwide
- Any allied health credential automatically covers TST administration
- TST administration requires no specific credential in any US state
Correct answer: Phlebotomy credentials alone do not authorize TST administration; additional training and delegation are required
Phlebotomy credentials cover venipuncture, not intradermal injections; separate TB training and proper delegation are required.
Question 6: In occupational health settings, which standard most directly governs TB testing credential requirements for workers?
- OSHA's bloodborne pathogen and respiratory protection standards alongside CDC guidelines (Correct answer)
- The Fair Labor Standards Act
- The Americans with Disabilities Act exclusively
- EPA hazardous materials regulations
Correct answer: OSHA's bloodborne pathogen and respiratory protection standards alongside CDC guidelines
OSHA's standards for bloodborne pathogens and respiratory protection, combined with CDC TB guidelines, govern occupational health TB testing.
Question 7: Why must TB test administrators understand PPD tuberculin's storage and handling requirements as part of their credentials?
- Improper storage degrades the antigen, causing false-negative results (Correct answer)
- Storage knowledge is required only for pharmacy technicians
- It is a billing requirement with no clinical significance
- Tuberculin is stable at any temperature indefinitely
Correct answer: Improper storage degrades the antigen, causing false-negative results
PPD tuberculin must be stored at 2–8°C and protected from light; degraded antigen produces false negatives.
TB Test Credential Requirements 3
Which of the following is NOT typically a component of a TB test administrator's credential requirements?