php/alerts/dhan334 ~ Division of Public Health — Health Alert – Delaware Health and Social Services – State of Delaware


Delaware Health Alert Network #334

August 20, 2014 12:02 pm


Health Update
TUBERCULOSIS PPD SOLUTION SHORTAGE UPDATE

Background

On April 12, 2013 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a nationwide shortage of Tubersol®, one of two Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) tuberculin used in the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) to diagnose TB infection. A shortage of Aplisol®, the second brand of PPD solution, was announced shortly after.

The shortage of PPD solution has now ended. The shortage of PPD solution Aplisol® was resolved May 2014, and the PPD solution Tubersol® was resolved in July 2014.

Recommendations

Resume testing in keeping with usual protocols.

Additional Information

Active TB disease is a legally reportable illness in Delaware, and the majority of cases are treated by specialists in DPH TB Clinics. To report a case of active TB, please contact the TB Clinic in your county or the TB Program.

  • DPH TB Elimination and Control Program
    • Ruth A. Fournier MSN, RN
      TB Program Manager/Nurse Consultant
      302-744-1050
  • DPH TB Clinics by County
    • New Castle: 302-283-7588
    • Kent: 302-857-5130
    • Sussex: 302-856-5119

References:

  1. CDC Division of TB Elimination: www.cdc.gov/tb
  2. http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/Shortages/ucm351943.htm
  3. http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/dpc/tbelimination.html

Categories of Health Alert messages:

  • Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
  • Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
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