USCIS to stop accepting the TB skin test

Beginning October 1, 2018, the tuberculin skin test (TST) will no longer be accepted for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration exams (1). All US civil surgeons must use a TB blood test (interferon-gamma release assay or IGRA) as the initial screening method when a test for cell-mediated immunity to TB is required. This new requirement aligns with current CDC recommendations stating that IGRA testing is strongly preferred for those who are BCG-vaccinated.